Milan- Color is the answer in times of sadness and austerity, according to Italian designer Giorgio Armani who was showcasing his spring summer 2018 collection at Milan Fashion Week on Friday.

“I do not see why I have to dwell on sadness, making women even sadder.. I answer with colors in a time of sadness,” the 83-year-old designer told reporters after the show.

He added that the inspiration for the clothes did not come from a specific art movement or period but was more about “different strokes of color”.

The collection drew together most of Armani’s characteristic traits: crisp cuts, asymmetrical lines, bright colors side by side with black and strong geometric patterns.

But unlike past designs, Armani used a palette of pastel colors, with many of his creations in light blues and pinks.

Models wore chiffon flower-patterned skirts with elaborate tops, silk ankle-high trousers in vivid hues were matched with long coats with ginkgo leaf designs and sleek black short coats sat over graphic patterned tops.

Most of the looks were embellished with colorful geometric plexiglass earrings.

The Milan Fashion Week will run until Monday.