Giorgio Armani is saying “Yes to Recycling.” Literally. If the message wasn’t loud and clear by the look and feel of the pieces during the Emporio Armani Autumn/Winter 2020 show, the phrase was projected on the screens surrounding the catwalk at the Armani Teatro in Milan.
As the brand showcased a new capsule made from recycled, regenerated and organic materials—dubbed the R-EA—the man whose name is still writ large across the door was telling the adoring public that it was “not promotional for the Armani name, but for the Earth.”
Dominated by oversized parkas, windbreakers, blousons, zipped jumpers, cargo trousers and dungarees; the capsule collection’s men’s range carries on the brand’s recent love affair with clothes inspired by workwear but with sporty and oversize volumes. Mainly black, the 18 pieces are paired with boots, balaclavasand backpacks contrasted an ecru R-EA logo, and have things such as removable padding and hoods on outerwear helping to make it more versatile in designs.
“‘It is through new materials that we experiment to find new solutions, forms or, in the case of R-EA, more responsible ways of creating fashion,” Armani says. To show his level of commitment the capsule collection promotes full transparency and traceability throughout its textile production chain with integrated QR codes on every garment. In fact, each piece is crafted from local textile waste and scraps, while the organic cotton is also produced with a low environmental impact, utilizing non-GMO seeds and an organic growing system to fertilize the soil.
This may be the start of a renewed focus on sustainability and upcycling products from Armani, but it is by no means a trivial commitment based on the sign of the times. “This is the start of a journey that must be continued with consistency. We should all do recyclable fabrics, it must become common use,” he said
