Gemma Chan’s Glamorous Journey at Armani’s Landmark Show
Navigating a black tie dress code can transform even the most experienced fashion aficionados into bundles of anxiety. If the mere notion of stepping into lavish galas adorned in sequined gowns leads to delight, you might just find yourself in a rare position among your peers. Consider the guests who graced Giorgio Armani’s Spring/Summer 2025 showcase—the first major outing for the legendary designer beyond the confines of Milan at the age of 90. Their invitations bore the imposing phrase “black tie,” setting the stage for an evening filled with frills, expectations, and an array of responses from a whopping 649 fellow industry insiders.
Understanding the nuances of “black tie” becomes second nature when your host is the king of understated elegance. Instead of opting for the typical eveningwear shops to curate their outfits, actress Gemma Chan and her stylist Rebecca Corbin-Murray dove deep into the rich history of the Armani archives, meticulously selecting a look that encapsulated “effortlessly exquisite.” Their choice? A stunning crystal-flecked waistcoat, complete with a chic mandarin collar, paired with a luxurious black silk velvet skirt. This daring ensemble brilliantly challenges the assumption that eveningwear must adhere to the traditional floor-length design. To further elevate her look, Chan adorned herself with Suzanne Kalan diamond drop earrings and sophisticated Aquazurra low-heeled pumps, proving that elegance doesn’t necessitate costume jewellery or towering stilettos.
In the wake of the glamorous event, Chan expressed her satisfaction via text, stating, “I felt chic, glamorous, and ready for a night out in NYC!” She continued, “The outfit was also very comfortable, which is always a lovely surprise.” Multiple facets of her celebrity lifestyle come into play when preparing for such occasions; among these, her essential indulgences include sipping tea and munching on fries during her glam sessions—she emphasizes the importance of sustenance, as the timing of meals can often be unpredictable in the whirlwind of glitz and glamour. Additionally, after long-haul flights, she schedules lymphatic drainage massages to combat the fatigue that results in swollen feet.
Chan, whose earliest encounters with Armani’s work are reminiscent of Richard Gere’s iconic, laid-back tailoring in the 1980 classic American Gigolo, found herself enamored with the impeccably sleek outerwear on display at the show, with a chocolate-brown trench now firmly placed on her mental wishlist. Reflecting on the collection’s overall aesthetic, she states, “For me, the brand has always been synonymous with quiet luxury. There was an ease and sophistication to the collection that felt quintessentially Armani.”
Armani himself, who is known for his minimal public presence and a strong preference for letting his creations speak for themselves, emphasized the core tenets of his brand during the event. “Clothing should enhance the wearer’s personality,” he shared with Vogue Runway. “Tailoring does that perfectly because it’s timeless. While it may seem tied to the past, I believe tailoring is the future.”
As Chan continues to embrace her busy schedule, she effortlessly transitions from the glitz of the runway to her next project, mingling seamlessly with industry talents like Micheal Ward and Meghann Fahy. In the grand scheme of things, the trials of event dressing seem trivial when compared to larger aspirations. Yet for those moments that feel daunting, a vibrant red lip—especially one from Armani Beauty—serves as the ultimate chic defense, a dash of confidence in a world where expectations often overshadow individual expression.
In essence, navigating black tie events is less about conforming to societal norms and more about celebrating personal style within the framework of timeless elegance, as exemplified by Chan’s stunning choices and Armani’s continued legacy.
