For the production, Armani worked in partnership with celebrated costume designer Janty Yates, winner of the Academy Award for her outstanding costume designs for Gladiator. Prior to the filming of "De-Lovely," Armani and Yates met frequently for planning meetings and fittings in the Giorgio Armani Milan headquarters, where they created the signature period looks for Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd's characters as Cole and Linda Porter.
Kevin Kline and director Winkler were both present for the first intense and historic design meeting. Noted Kline of the experience: "The clothes Giorgio and Janty designed for Cole Porter were perfect - evoking his style, wit, sophistication and love of beauty. Putting on these clothes took me leaps and bounds closer to understanding and embodying the man than months of research ever could."
The timeless and elegant wardrobe Armani and Yates created for the Cole Porter role includes looks than span decades, from the tailored chic of the 1920s to updated looks that mark the time of Porter's death in 1964. From signature double-breasted tuxedos featured in his many appearances for opening nights to casual wear reminiscent of the era, the Porter silhouettes include such designs as dark, padded-shoulder blazers matched with cream trousers and highlighted with suspenders and pocket handkerchiefs, to tweed classic suits accented by the favoured ascots of the day.
Said Yates of the experience: "Working with Giorgio was an incredibly stimulating experience. In tandem, we seemed to channel the essence of Cole. I will never forget the sight of Giorgio pinning hems and reconfiguring lapels, so knowledgeable in every way of every period represented by the film". Yates, who also costume designed such notable productions as "Hannibal" and "Charlotte Gray," continued, "Irwin Winkler and I walked away from the experience knowing we had witnessed the work of a master designer who is unique in today's world of fashion." Added director Winkler: "As a long-time friend of Giorgio's and a tremendous fan of his work, I had always wanted to work with him on film again. We hadn't really collaborated seriously since 'Goodfellas,' so, for me, this was a treat of a lifetime."
In addition to collaborating on the look for Cole Porter, Armani contributed numerous designs for the Linda Porter role, as portrayed by Ashley Judd. From her custom-designed cream satin wedding dress with a draping train and a cascade of tiny buttons down the back, to her fango green linen day suit, Judd was the picture of the perfectly turned-out woman of mid-century America. As a long-time personal friend of Armani's, Judd said that the opportunity to wear selections from Armani's vintage evening collections made her feel like she was "walking back through time, experiencing a reign of elegance in America I've never experienced before. From the music to the entire ambience of the production, everything was transcendent to an era of sheer elegance. As always, Giorgio Armani was able to crystallize this period. In 'De-Lovely' Cole did the music and Armani added style."
Selections for Judd from the Armani archives, which designer Yates chose with careful consideration for the design relevance to the appropriate decade, ranged from a beaded, floor-length icy white evening coat featuring a floral pattern in dazzling crystals, to a black and white star burst diamond-embroidered gown with an attached one-shoulder organza shawl. Working with Judd had a "life imitating art" aspect to it for Armani, as he also designed the wedding dress for Judd's real-life marriage ceremony a few years ago.
"It was such a privilege being in the company of these extraordinary filmmakers," noted Armani. "I am such a devotee of the cinema that to be given this opportunity was a challenge and reward I will never forget. Janty Yates' remarkable knowledge of the period and attention to detail was inspiring. It was a pure joy stepping outside the confines of my world and into hers. I am so grateful to MGM and Irwin Winkler for allowing me to play a small part in the making of a great film about a great man. To borrow a line from Cole, it was delightful."
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY GIORGIO ARMANI
