Fast Leather

A Supercar Teams Up With Armani —

By Jim Shi // Jul 12, 2016

Two legendary Italian names have teamed up, and the results are breathtaking. (Courtesy Armani and Bugatti)

Giorgio Armani may have recently sworn off the use of fur in his future collections, but he still has plenty of love for leather. The iconic Italian fashion designer has partnered with supercar maker Bugatti (also founded by an illustrious Italian, Ettore Bugatti) on a capsule collection that is nothing short of mozzafiato.

The Giorgio Armani for Bugatti line, scheduled for release in August, encapsulates a full offering for the discerning gentleman. Calfskin and crocodile hide are abundantly featured across leather goods in the collaboration, which include backpacks, carry-alls and outerwear. The collection, cast in elegant shades of cognac, army green, and blue, further doubles down on luxury via eyewear, fine cashmere sweaters and toiletry cases.

Throughout the capsule, one can spot references to the iconic horseshoe-shaped front of Bugatti’s car — seen on pendants for bags, for example — while Bugatti’s brand color blue appears on inner linings of bags, in interior pockets, and on the treads and insoles of footwear.

Leather and grace: Armani and Bugatti want you to have this. (Courtesy Armani and Bugatti)

The highlight of the accessories is an elegant briefcase in soft calfskin, made entirely by hand; there is also a version of this piece in lined matte crocodile suede. In addition, there is a weekend bag, while small leather goods include belts, wallets, iPad cases, and beauty cases featuring a prominent zip closure. Clothing includes a coat and blouson jacket in refined double cashmere, superfine cashmere sweaters, a leather jacket with raised collar and concealed hood, as well as treated denim jeans that look as soft as velvet, thanks to their handmade flocking. The offering is rounded off with calfskin sneakers featuring crocodile details, a sports driver blazer in crocodile skin, and a cap in double cashmere cloth.

Each piece in the collection is manufactured in limited editions and numbered, and display the special logo “Giorgio Armani for Bugatti.”

“It was very natural to come together with Bugatti. We both worship things that are made well, made to last, created out of the best materials,” says Armani. “The capsule condenses this encounter in a series of clothes and accessories designed to be worn by men who look only for the best and who live an active and dynamic lifestyle.”