Understanding the relationship with sport for one of the world’s most critically and financially successful designers.
During Milan Fashion Week, iconic designer Giorgio Armani opened an energetic new photography exhibition in Milan at Armani/Silos titled ‘Emotions of the Athletic Body.’ Joined by a host of Italian Olympians, Giorgio Armani presented a first glimpse of his carefully curated exhibition. Immediately upon entry, the exhibition space is deeply immersive. A running track floor signals the beginning of an athletic journey. Much of the photography captures movement perfectly, but video projections quite literally place you in the action. The photography is a display of triumph, pride, unity and struggle. It captures sports people’s athletic achievement, alongside their natural aesthetic beauty which Giorgio Armani so admires. The sculpture on display at the entrance resembles an ancient statue of an idyllic Greek God and introduces visitors to his vision.
After Athlete and Facce da Sport this is your third exhibition focusing on sports. What is it that fascinates you about sports?
I have always been a sports fan, ever since I was a boy. Initially I suppose it was the excitement and spectacle that attracted me, but over the years I have come to understand that there is something more profound at play here. Sport is a way to bring people together, it is a social activity. It is also something that promotes the idea of dedication and expertise. It shows what human beings are capable of when they work hard to perfect a particular skill and talent. And then, speaking as a fashion designer, there is the simple fact that sportsmen and women are extraordinary from a physical point of view. Their bodies are at the peak of their development and prowess, and this is fascinating for someone who works with the human form.
Why did you decide to showcase this new exhibition at Armani/Silos? Is it dedicated to someone in particular? Why now?
The plan for the Silos has always been that it should be a home for temporary exhibitions as well as for my permanent collection of work. It is also a centre for learning, and as part of its mission to educate it should host work that inspires and enlightens people. Emotions of the Athletic Body is the first of what I hope will be many exhibitions where we give over our space to great work by creative people. The timing of this show coincides with the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Rio, for which I have once more designed the official outfits of the Italian national teams.
What is your relationship with sport?
It’s a deep relationship that has followed me throughout my life in various ways. I take exercise to keep fit, which means not only taking care of the body but also the mind. I’ve always loved sport because it represents the human ability to endure and work hard, commitment, tenacity, and willpower, all at the highest level. Active sport affirms the value of the individual and the courage of teamwork. These are all qualities I believe in and that apply both on the field and, especially, off it too.
You have always had a very strong bond with the world of sports. What do you find stimulating about dressing athletes on and off the field? What fascinates you about their shape?
It’s true, sport is a genuine passion of mine. I like it because it encourages the qualities that, in my opinion, help improve a person, commitment, sacrifice, tenacity and willpower. It’s good for the body and the soul because it shows that without commitment there is no success. This is why I always gladly collaborate with athletes. Of course, the muscular build of athletes is always a challenge for a designer, but my clothing’s softness and comfort, which are central aspects of my stylistic vision, allow it to effortlessly adapt to various physical builds.
How do you think the Special Olympics has changed people’s perceptions of those with intellectual disabilities?
The Special Olympics is a very important movement as it shows that everybody can achieve amazing things, and though it focusses on sporting excellence, it serves a much greater symbolic purpose. These athletes are really incredible human beings, and their achievements remind all of us what we are capable of if we apply ourselves and have self-belief. In showing people with intellectual disabilities competing at the highest level, we are invited to admire them in exactly the same way we admire all athletes. In this way, the Special Olympics has genuinely changed attitudes in a remarkable and positive manner.
What are the future plans for the Silos? Do you still want it to be a research centre dedicated to younger generations?
Armani/Silos was conceived, established and organised to encourage young people to undertake creative research, providing them with a world of unique knowledge. My hope is that Armani/Silos represents a starting point and an inspiration for them. With Armani/Silos, I propose a different point of view, and that’s why I conceived it as a sort of research centre that revolves around fashion and design, with an associated exploration of fashion’s relationship with photography and cinema, both art forms that are integral to my vision of style and fit well into the idea of a lively exhibition space.
