Giorgio Armani Privé Couture Spring 2012

>> Metamorphosis and "the woman who is at first calm and easy and then is drawn out of her own skin" were the themes behind Giorgio Armani's Spring 2012 couture outing. Armani also tapped inspiration from reptiles — and, in particular, their shimmering, textural skins, which he rendered in nearly every shade of green. For day, the reptilian theme was present on sharp-shouldered blazers in croc or snakeskin, iridescent draped-front skirts, and slickly tailored pants. For evening, there were mermaid dresses in glistening sequins, scale-printed silk ballgowns, and swirling, second-skin sheaths. With a front row crowd of red-carpet hopefuls — including Jessica Chastain, who learned of her Oscar nod via phone just before the show began — it's safe to say we may be seeing a lot more of these looks very, very soon.