THE ARMANI HOTEL

Let’s just say, that as a virgin to Milan, I had no idea that Armani had designed their own hotel in the very heart of the city. The location was central and perfect for shopping and of course an Armani store was based just on the ground floor. But the hotel itself was designed to the Armani aesthetic. Modern, chic, neutral and luxurious. The rooms were sophisticated and premium, with a stunning grey tone wooden fascia, matte silver features and Armani embroidered towels. The rooms contained all of the modern technology features, such as a touch screen iPad that handled everything you could possibly imagine from sitting on your bed. Plus, a stocked complimentary mini bar, an enormous (and comfortable) super king bed and did I mention the bath?! We also visited the Spa, complete with saunas, steam rooms and a giant jacuzzi looking out over Milan. Again, uber chic and luxurious, based on the top floor of the hotel.

But we also attended the Armani Restaurant for our first evening, with a One Michelin Star, wonderful service and truly delicious food. Eating out in restaurants is easily one of my favourite things in life, and this certainly ticked all of the boxes. And I can say the same for the breakfast the morning after.

It was just one of those hotels that you cannot fault. And I had a feeling that would be the case.

SIGHTS TO SEE

Granted, we did have a few hours shopping and exploring, especially as I really wanted to capture some photographs of the outfits I was wearing. Have a look at the Armani outfit that I wore on our first day in Milan, the Velvet blazer was so beautiful. But we gladly stumbled across the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II on our travels, and sat inside enjoying brunch whilst we tried to take in the exquisite architecture. And just outside, the Duomo, the famous Milan Cathedral set against a gorgeous blue sky and busy with tourists and pigeons. Definitely must sees if you’re visiting!

GIORGIO ARMANI OUTFIT

And onto the Giorgio Armani Milan Fashion Week show for Spring/Summer 2017. It was a huge honour to be invited along to not only backstage but to watch the catwalk presentation, especially as I don’t know anyone who has been given such an opportunity previously. After becoming such a huge fan of the Armani Beauty ranges, and viewing the coverage of the beautiful Armani shows for the past few years, to have the opportunity to watch first hand was easily a highlight of my career thus far. But the fact that I was dressed in Giorgio Armani for the event was even more exciting. The Armani fashion team in the UK are such a delight to work with and found me a stunning sunburst orange maxi dress to wear for the event. I have never worn this colour, and with a bright orange lip, Armani Lip Magnet in 300 with 302 to the outer corners, the tones were truly stunning. I wore a simple pair of Louboutins as the dress was the statement, as well as a black Giorgio Armani tote. My hair I straightened and smoothed back behind my ears so it followed the straight silhouette of the dress, and my makeup was Armani Beauty from start to finish, applied by yours truly.

You can shop the Armani Beauty products that I used on my face, just below!

BACKSTAGE

Heading backstage at the Giorgio Armani S/S 17 is much calmer than you may expect. Each makeup artist working on their creations with each model sat silently and a whole host of brushes and makeup laid out next to them. But there is something so special about the way the Armani Beauty team create the makeup looks for the show. Apparently, Mr Armani will provide Linda Cantello, the Armani Beauty Creative Director, with a piece of fabric from the show – in this case, a wonderful floral pattern of navy, lavender, teal and cream (see above), from which Linda can develop the makeup story. As such, Linda selected a deep sapphire from the Armani Lab of pigments and created a stunning metallic blue shade, which was to be used as a diffused eyeliner. And later, this exact blue is developed and placed inside the Armani Runway palette for S/S17, so the consumer too, can own a piece of the runway makeup.

Of course the models skin is cleansed and then prepped with Armani Prima. Crema Nude, Armani’s luxurious version of a tinted moisturiser, is added to the skin and any discolourations corrected with High Precision Retouch concealer. The lips are touched up with the Satin Lip Crayon in Isola Bella or Biscayne Park depending on the model’s skintone. The eyebrows are brushed through with either a black or brown mascara and an eyebrow gel with small brush strokes added in any sparse areas with a thin crayon. The eyes are lined with a black kajal to the top and lower water line before the electric blue pigment is applied to the lid in a thick straight band. This is to look a little more lived in than Cleopatra. And again the smudged black and blue is added beneath the eye with mascara applied to both the top and bottom lashes. The face is to look glossy, lived in and sexy with a hot and summery look.

GIORGIO ARMANI S/S17 – CHARMANI

Watching the models be made up with metallic lids and glossy skin, to stepping foot onto the catwalk in clothing of the same electric tones, is such a wonderful transition. The whole concept behind the beauty look comes to life and in this case, works so perfectly with the clothing styles to really make a statement of the electric blue palette. But there were a number of stunning tones and patterns running through the collection in purples, lavenders, mauves, greige and a touch of red. In some cases, the dresses were feminine, fairylike and billowing to the hem of the skirt for more movement and shape. In other cases, the pieces were more powerful, tailored and elegant. The accessories too were designed in shades of electric blue and I cannot wait until the lattice heeled boots are released in the spring. But a number of embellished pieces towards the finish of the show, with micro-sequins and crystal embroideries held an ethereal charm and ended the show with a magical note. The collection was wearable, elegant and succinct, with each piece acknowledging the next.

And in a haze of excitement and inspiration, we left Milan for London and the trip was concluded. The biggest thankyou to the whole Armani team. To Armani Beauty and the Armani fashion team, I had the most incredible experience in Milan and it only helped me to realise my adoration towards Giorgio Armani so much more.

What do you think of the collection? And how do you feel towards an electric blue lid for the spring? I cannot wait to try out this makeup look with a really nude lip and bronzed cheeks!