giorgio armani | fashion icon
A C&L sabe...In this month’s issue of Wallpaper*, our favourite fashion icons choose an architect that inspires them or their work.
Wallpaper*: How do you value the relationship between fashion and architecture and do you think architecture can reflect or inspire fashion?
Giorgio Armani: Architecture certainly does inspire fashion and vice versa. Fashion needs to be presented within an environment that emphasizes its qualities and reinforces the inspiration behind it.
W*: What sort of architecture do you think reflects your aesthetic?
GA: Architecture that is in tune with humanity, that isn’t merely created to shock but is able to embrace the lives of human beings.
W*: How can architecture help sell fashion?
GA: When the design of a shop reflects the principle that its primary function is to provide a backdrop to the garment itself, contributing to its enhancement, then it has achieved its objective.
W*: What were your reasons for your initial collaboration with Tadao Ando?
GA: People talk about my style as being precise and austere, focused on the intrinsic simplicity of form, but also possessing strong impact and a forceful personality. I consider these values in harmony with the creative vision of Tadao Ando.
W*: Are you working on a project together for the future?
GA: Yes, we are refurbishing the interior of Via Bergognone 46, the new space I acquired last year across from the Teatro in Milan. It will be a creative continuation of the previous work completed in Via Bergognone 59, in which I also collaborated with Tadao Ando.
W*: Do you have a favorite building, any building and why?
GA: I am very impressed by the architecture of Pei. In his work there is a pursuit of the sensational, for instance through a wall that terminates in a very sharply angled edge, rather than a projection of a kind of gratuitous futurism that can often seem a little unjustified.
W*: What is your favorite city and why?
GA: I believe that every city has its own soul that should be respected and preserved.
W*: Which location or city do you think could most do with a makeover?
GA: In Italy, for example, the proliferation of buildings, particularly around the provincial towns, should be entirely eliminated rather than made over. More generally, a sense of genuine continuity needs to be re-established, in line with the indigenous traditions of whatever part of the world they relate to.
tadao ando | arquitect icon
W*: How difficult is it to combine your vision with that of someone whose vision may be equally strong?
Tadao Ando: I don't think it’s difficult to collaborate with such an innovative person as Giorgio Armani. He is a smart man with a firm intent and strong will. He is always demanding but his direction is very clear and strong in vision, and mine is equally so. We discussed the concept of design thoroughly together without any compromise. Such a deep encounter and intense relationship has achieved a successful result.
W*: How do you begin to help turn the display of fashion into a memorable event?
TA: I think creativity is common to both architecture and fashion. Fashion has always provided me with lots of ideas and energy for creation, and, in turn, I would like my architecture to provide something new for creation in fashion.
W*: In your opinion, have many fashion "innovators" or designers helped advance public perception of architecture?
TA: I think the collaborations between the architect and the fashion "innovators" help to develop the new audiences who become to be interested in architecture.
