The Art of Design Issue 39 2019 | Page 14

14 ARMANI/CASA: NATURE AND THE EAST The aesthetic of Armani/Casa was born from Captured from nature and coursing waters a subtle exchange between sensibility and are the muted shades of pink, apple green taste, a complex process that can give rise to and light blue, accompanied by touches of an unexpected harmony between different classic colours combined with brighter, more cultures. The 2019-2020 Armani/Casa vivid tones such as red, forest green and collection transforms parallels and similarities petrol blue. between cultures into furniture and décor. The overarching theme is an expression of These hues are emphasised by artisanal lightness, delivered through an exploration craftsmanship and exquisite materials, of subtle thicknesses, from the structures of whether Murano glass or precious furniture to the woven textures of textiles, embroideries. which are inspired by those of the obi (the Japanese sash worn mainly with the kimono). Noble traditions of working with classic elements and components meld with the use This notion is also expressed on seemingly of innovative materials like resin and synthetic rigid surfaces such as wood and leather, woven “textiles” developed for the aerospace reshaped to suggest a new, playful identity. industry. Oriental charm makes its return in allusions to Japanese iconography: nature, hot springs, the shape of the tsuba (the Japanese sword guard), the lightness and fluidity of the waves. An almost ethereal sensation is conveyed by the reference to these natural elements in motion: the shades of the clouds, Asian landscapes with trees and hills that create infinity-effects, blended colours reminiscent of a sunset or reflections on the water. In an expression of a type of creative circularity, Oriental iconography – the cultural obsession of Giorgio Armani and frequent inspiration for his style – is found on the Oriente rug, which is used as a canvas to depict a landscape of trees and hills that vanish in the fog, resulting in an infinity-effect; to create shaded gradients and the harmony Textiles: extraordinary everyday pieces of nature in motion, pure silk threads are Dedicated to the culture of slumber and rest, that allows for greater attention to detail – soft and luxurious throw blankets exemplify indispensable for creating a softer, more fluid the taste for perfection. Onsen, which takes outcome. its name from Japanese hot springs, is composed of a doubled fabric and acts as a cashmere throw and features a design reminiscent of a poetic story, embellished with embroidered sections. tied together through refined workmanship