Spotlight On Armani...

Giorgio Armani Pictorial With the Leaf Motif as seen on their Flagship Building in Ginza

First of all, my apologies. No one (at least not within sight) actually brought a camera to the Giorgio Armani fashion show. Everyone's nonchalant manner made moi chickened out and my camera never see the light of day. Here is a photo of the invitation card and an Armani pictorial, least that I can do...sumimasen...

Now, back to the action. Ah, what pleasant reminiscences! The lavish spread served in the Armani restaurant on the 10th floor of the Armani Ginza Tower was simply deliziosi with prosecco to kick start the luncheon proper.

First up was the hors d'oeuvres consisting of foie gras terrine and smoked salmon on a wafer-thin cracker with sour cream and OMG, Beluga Caviar! Talk about indulgence...hmmm yumyum!!!

Next, was the inevitable pasta course (afterall, we are talking Italian here) with three different assortments: Lasagna, Linguine with beef ragout and Spaghetti Arrabiata. The chef, Signore Derflingher, had cooked for President Bush and the late Princess Di. So, you know you are getting simple fare with a touch of class. Moreover, the simple and basic stuff are usually the toughest to get them right and in this case, they showcase the chef's skills to perfection.

Roast beef and fish course follow next. I am not going to lavish superlatives on them now that you know the credentials of the Chef. I must add though, nothing short of magnificent.

The finale, naturally are the sweets. There was a wide selection to take your pick from. I went with the classic Tiramisu and custard tart with fresh strawberries. They are again, lip smacking winners!

After a scrumptious meal, the guests adjourned to the much anticipated Giorgio Armani Fashion show for a sneak preview of the 2008/09 Autumn Winter Collection. The seating was pre-assigned but we were all able to sit along the runway. Lights dimmed and we were treated to a fashion extravaganza that befits the eye.

The collection debuted with the must-have winter ski wear for the St Moritz crowd, stylish yet functional enough to keep the cold at bay. High waisted pants and skirts mostly in luxe velvet paired with the trademark cropped collarless jackets followed. Personally, I feel collarless jackets can look quite severe and I much prefer the traditional cropped ones for the versatility. Evening wear, as always, is a dazzling myriad of sequins and bling affair. As for footwear, ballerina pumps, surprisingly, seems to continue its successful run with the classic stilettoes also featured strongly. Sexy yet subdued, simple yet elegant, in line with the tradition of Signor Giorgio Armani. And, of course, totally unaffordable.

To digress, I was informed by a little bird that the Armani Restaurant, with an impressive panoramic view of Tokyo, is one of their biggest money spinners. For those of you women of leisure, here goes...

Armani Restaurant
Armani Ginza Tower 10th Floor
5-5-4 Ginza, Chuo-ku
Tokyo 104-0061
Phone: +81-3-6274-7005