It’s been a promising few weeks for Armani Privé, the couture arm of the Italian design house that ranges from irresistably classic to guido grotesque (Armani Exchange just took over Armani Casa on Robertson Boulevard a few days ago, though garish branding and Jersey Shore appeal appears to be minimized in the window displays).

Armani always snags a few actresses for red carpet at the Academy Awards and other shows in town, but Privé has scored some truly winning press hits in recent weeks: Lady Gaga at the Grammys, and now Amanda Seyfried, whom I found stunning in this strapless gown from the spring 2010 collection. Even Cathy Horyn, who was disinvited to an Armani RTW show two years ago after a negative review, praised Privé’s latest runway show in January as “otherworldly” and “absorbing.”