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Armani Collezioni, a popular Italian fashion label known for its clean cut suits, fancy fedoras and glamorous gowns, unveiled its 2015/2016 Autumn and Winter collection at its grand store opening in Moda Mall.
The latest monochrome and earth-toned designs made their way to the island directly from Milan just in time for Saturday’s boutique launch. Models were featured showing off the brand’s classy, trendy attire to the kingdom’s journalists, bloggers and invited guests at a lavish affair.
Armani Collezioni is one of the many labels created by Giorgio Armani, often described as the founding father of Italian fashion. His designs have dressed Hollywood ‘royalty’ and made ordinary businessmen and women feel like chief executive officers.
The store was launched by AABZ WLL, the sole distributor of Armani lines in Bahrain. It is a subsidiary of the luxurious Saudi Arabian fashion provider Rubaiyat Group.
Fadi Mohammad Ahmad, AABZ country manager, said: “We have witnessed a huge demand for Armani formal wear through our Emporio Armani store but we also noticed a growing demand for classic suits that appeared to be missing from Bahrain.
“That’s why we decided to bring Armani Collezioni which combines elegance and the latest fashion. This label caters to businessmen and women and for those seeking formal wear for any occasion, although we offer smart, clean-cut casual wear too.
“So far, everyone really likes the new collection and we are following in the footsteps of Milan. We make sure that we can offer the same collection that exists in Europe at the same time. We also always update our customers on the latest trends and what’s hot in the market.”
This is the seventh Armani brand outlet to open in Bahrain including the Emporio Armani in Moda Mall, the Armani Jeans and Armani Exchange in City Centre Bahrain, Aramani Exchange in Seef Mall and Armani Jeans and Armani Junior in A’ali Shopping Complex.
As well as offering polished business attire, Armani also pioneered a certain style on the red carpet, dressing Hollywood stars in chic, sensational evening wear. These traits can be found in Armani Collezioni’s latest assortment of suits, dresses, coats and accessories.
According to store manager Shadley Magiet, the label offers a fusion of the designer’s signature look blended in with today’s current trend. Mr Magiet said: “Mr Armani is very particular in the sense that he sticks to showing his signature style in the brand but also adding certain modern touches.
“We have day wear, night wear and something for official events. It will be the perfect line to use and to wear going out or for the office. The blend of ‘classic and trendy’ features designs such as the flat front slacks, clean-cut suits and casual blazers highlighted by shoes, fedoras and other accessories for a modern look.
“We even have a ‘made-for-measure’ programme. This is not bespoke. Basically, our clientele will make an appointment to be measured and a tailor will fly in from Italy. Then the tailor takes the measurement and chosen fabrics back to Italy to design the suit or shirt to fit the request of the client. Once the suit comes down there is still room for adjustment. Also, our signature jackets and blazers feature Mr Armani’s special lining inside and room for comfort. At the end of the day, we aim to offer quality, clean-cut looks and comfort.”
During the launch event, models paraded the latest offerings around the boutique. One was dressed in a beautiful shearling lamb coat and beige coloured slacks, while another wore a pretty patterned dress with a beret for a fun day look.
Make-up artist and fashion blogger, Najla Bastaki said she loved the designs. The 25-year-old, from Muharraq, said: “I really like Armani in general. I think it is very classy, with minimal colours but with a special touch. This will be one of my ‘go to’ places to shop.
“I particularly loved the poncho. I really like its draping and embellishment. It’s nice for winter when you want to cosy up and it’s classy. Another favourite was the shimmery blue velvet shoes. They were gorgeous. I loved that it was blue because it’s not a boring colour and it gives outfits a pop!”
British-Turkish fashion stylist, make-up artist and blogger, Tulin Meric, 40, was also attracted to the blue shoes and poncho, trying them on during the event. The mother-of-two, said: “These shoes are so comfortable. I have a high instep so I don’t usually feel comfortable in high heels but these are great.”
The men in the audience were determined not to miss out either. Nabil Youssef and Ali Jassim checked out the suits and footwear.
Youssef, 38, from Reef Island, who works in IT for an insurance company, went on a shopping spree with his family to find the perfect pair of shoes. He said: “I really like the collection. I’ve been searching for this style of shoe for such a long time. They are comfortable and classic.”
Dapper Jassim, 29, from Seef, an e-business manager at Gulf Air, raved about the look. He said: “I think they probably have the best suits around. I like the idea of the made-to-measure programme too.”
There were two styles of suits on show, a metro line and Giorgio line. Prices for men ranged between BD300 to BD500 with the made-to-measure prices starting from around BD600 depending on the chosen fabric and any special requests. Evening gowns sell for around BD500 while coats and jackets start from BD225.
Shirts and trousers for men and women can be snapped up for BD60 and men’s shoes appeared to range between BD125 to BD205, depending on style. Women’s shoes started from BD190.
Accessories were spotted from BD95 and bags and clutches started around BD125.
The store is open from 10am to 10pm seven-days-a-week.
