In the spring of 1975, we were exploring the shots of the Naviglio Grande in Milan. Giorgio Armani as the first model for his collection, Aldo Fallai as the new photographer, and I as the sole editor of L'Uomo Vogue, the men's fashion magazine that was revolutionizing the publishing industry, created by Flavio Lucchini. There was good chemistry between us, even though I had only just met Aldo. Giorgio had also approached him recently, but he told me almost immediately that he was the ideal interpreter of his fashion, so sophisticated in its simplicity, and natural.
Indeed, naturalness, as well as elegance, is the constant that immediately fascinates you when you visit the beautiful exhibition that has just opened in the Armani/Silos, the Maestro's temple on Via Bergognone.
   The 250 large, skillfully lit images portray athletic and romantic young men in their famous unstructured jackets or half-naked, with their harmonious physiques in a never vulgar intimacy.
   The women portrayed are strong and gentle at the same time; they have spontaneous gestures, almost stolen in any given moment. They wear flowing clothes that caress the body, never excessive, making them more beautiful while leaving them themselves.
   Even the settings speak the same language of refinement and simplicity. They are faded black and white or delicate color photos. They are luminous photos, revealing all the confidence and love that there was and is between the protagonists: the creator, the photographer, the subject or subjects. These are photos that speak of discreet years that seem far removed from today's excesses, which Giorgio rejects by updating his fashion with imagination and measure.
   There are many shots and years of collaboration between Armani and Fallai, those that have most helped to define his image. The exhibition fixes the period from 1977 to 2021, with a few interruptions, and to this day, they are still united in their common feeling.
Perhaps it is so extraordinary thanks to the emotional bond between the curators: Giorgio Armani, Rosanna Armani, and Leo Dell’Orco, who have always been united in the adventure of fashion and life.
The suggestion is absolutely not to miss 'Aldo Fallai for Giorgio Armani 1977 - 2021', at the Armani/Silos, his personal museum located, as it happens, right next to Superstudio 13 and Superstudio Più, friendly places that Armani has frequented for many years for his photographs and other occasions.


Aldo Fallai for Giorgio Armani 1977 - 2021' curated by Giorgio Armani, Rosanna Armani and Leo Dell'Orco. Armani/Silos, via Bergognone, Milan. Through 11 August 2024.