You’d be forgiven to think that the New Normal collection was created after the pandemic, but those in fashion are familiar with the line that Giorgio Armani created in 2015. The new represents the current, while normal is the norm; the pieces we’d wear on a daily basis. The key is to create sustainable garments that unsubscribe from trends.
The latest New Normal collection for Autumn/Winter 2023/24 features a range of smart casual pieces. Taking us from day to night, the “new” is shown through the choices of colours and textures. Neutrals like champagne and beige that transition into black is an echo of the “Cipria“, presented earlier this year in Milan. Silk, too, is a recurring texture appearing in the form of tuxedo shirts, V-neck blouses, and straight-cut trousers.
The tone of the collection is elegant yet laidback. The polo shirt, a typical sports garment, is furnished with mesh stitches. The blouson, on the other hand, incorporates sportswear elements like drawstrings. With Giorgio Armani, the goodness is always in the details. The pinstriped elastic waistband trousers with easily-overlooked front darts has to be our favourite pick from the collection.
A relaxed disposition is prominent too, translated through soft lines that gently hugs the body of its wearer, crafted out of luxurious material such as grain de poudre wool, fleece, and silk seersucker. Despite that, the silhouette of this line is everything but slouchy. The cob-stitched oversized cashmere cardigan, for example, is not your usual drop-shoulder and collarless piece. Instead, it has a structured design taking references from menswear tailoring: notched lapels and double-breasted buttons.
The accessories from the New Normal line are minimally designed, predominantly in black leather with gold accents. For handbags, one worth noting is the top flap La Prima—modelled after Armani’s first bag in 1995—reimagined in an all-over monogram print with an adjustable jewel chain for this collection. The shoe selections include knee-high boots and court shoes with metal heels, all perfect addition to a nine-to-five wardrobe. For leisurely outings, the New Normal line also offers flats like velvet loafers or Nappa leather ballerinas with a metal ankle strap. Being alla moda without sacrificing comfort is indeed the new normal.
Shop the collection here.