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Ashley Judd reminisces on some personal moments with Armani – the one whom she called a long-time friend – who was always kind and generous and also some of his landmark designs made for her through her life. The actress accompanied the vintage photographs with a very heartfelt description of the shared decades of history between her and Armani, who in several ways shaped Judd’s public persona and perhaps to some extent even her private life. Judd let the rare insight into the private world of the late genius so recently departed, emphasizing the possibility of strong, meaningful relationships between artists and designers in the sphere of show business.
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Ashley Judd offered the world a majestic journey through memory. A more personal tribute to a deceased Armani had been posted by the actress, recalling their decades-long friendship and working relationship that first blossomed in 1995. The post also contained vintage pictures of herself in Armani designs, including maybe the wedding dress. Judd explained that the dress was so beautiful that it was sent out on tour with Armani’s museum show and was never to be seen again by the poor lady herself.
Reminiscent of captions straight out of a classic Hollywood memoir, Judd had encountered Armani whilst making “Norma Jean and Marilyn,” shortly before “Heat” went into production. Armani wanted to dress her for the star-making moment – because, you know, Pacino! De Niro! – and he immediately sent his stylist, Samantha McMillen, to Judgment’s Hotel Bel Air room with a rolling rack full of fabulous 1940s-inspired suits. With that, writes Judd, began two friendships that would give many wonderful “fun, starry years to come.”
More wonderful years came ahead when Armani showed her clothes, with thank-you notes handwritten on fine Italian paper, and occasions attended aboard his all-black boat, where she was treated with love, “kindness, and respect,” Judd emphasized. Byrd also still has a large amount of his gifts, including some vases on the back porch in Tennessee.
The comment box was full of fashion aficionados and philanthropists who were reveling in Judd’s reminiscing and sharing of photos. “The wedding gown… Wow, wow, wow,” mused one user. Judd replied herself: “The lace! Exquisite, and actually, the dress is backless!” Another enthusiast showed humor at Judd’s casual attitude toward the couture icon: “Ha! Asking Mr. Armani to take off his shoes in your home. He obviously loved dressing you.”
Others spoke of Armani’s timelessness and how perfect it was for Judd’s visage, which was that of several faces. “It’s wild to see how his pieces highlight how well you can embody both a ’40s-50s classic beauty as well as modern styles,” remarked one follower. “Some of these are like, both at the same time? Timeless!” Another comment was: “You wore it all so beautifully.”
Judd’s post literally went to the heart of many people.
“Love hearing your stream of-consciousness memories,” one commenter wrote. “What a beautiful way to honor him.” Another said, “How wonderful Ashley- he saw the elegance in you!”
This sentiment was echoed throughout the comments, with several people noting how the partnership between Judd and Armani seemed to bring out the best in both artist and muse.
Joining the discussion were people who had worked in person with Armani. A partner in design formerly, Stephanie von Watzdorf noted: “Thank you for sharing all of this.. I worked with him for six years in design.. and wow.. did I learn… so many lessons… he will always be the grand maestro.. signor Armani. A legend. Per sempre…”
There were a good fair share of nostalgic moments on Judd’s film career stirred by the post: “Loved you in De-Lovely. My two beautiful aunties (rest in peace) saw it at the theater and highly recommended I see it. It is one of my all-time favorites.” Another said: “That Double Jeopardy gown – and that scene – so much in my fave memories! A beautiful tribute to the designer.”
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The homage by Judd will continue to be a magnificent testament to how personal kindness can take hold in a world full of cutthroat relationships. Her memories of Armani – from dancing with Mr. Valentino, who asked what kind of wedding gown Armani could possibly make, to her dog Buttermilk laying mournfully over Armani’s shoes during a fitting – project a portrait of a man truly a legendary designer yet a thoughtful friend. Judd’s remembrance presents the gorgeous reminder that true style is more than just a garment – winterless fashion is about connection, memory, and the sparkle worth having.