Emporio Armani embellished runway dress, FW 2000

Taking his Emporio line in a more eclectic direction, Giorgio Armani ably translated both luxurious and practical looks into affordable, trend-conscious clothes. On the sumptuous side, there were rich velvet and beaded evening dresses, voluminous overcoats in pale pastels and fur-trimmed chiffon tops. But, obliging his customers' taste for easy-to-wear suits and separates, Armani also showed narrow skirts, slim trousers and an assortment of wool suits. The use of geometric patterns, floral details, beaded fringes and ethnic embroidery proved that the father of minimalism can easily maintain his signature style while infusing his designs with considerable dash.