It’s not every day that a world-renowned designer lends his flair to a superyacht, which is why, when they do, the vessels instantly become exceptional. They look different, there’s no doubt about that. Take Venus, the ultra-minimalist yacht designed by Philippe Starck for Steve Jobs, or A, Starck’s radical creation for Andrey Melnichenko. Now, there’s a new masterpiece joining that exclusive club, the first superyacht from Admiral’s Giorgio Armani-designed 72-meter series.
Named Admiral Armani 72m, or Project Metamorphosis, this majestic 236-footer has now been launched and is set to make its official debut at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show. Built by The Italian Sea Group (TISG) under its Admiral brand, the yacht was launched from the yard’s Marina di Carrara facility in Italy. Initially said to have been purchased in 2023 by a Greek crypto billionaire, the yacht was resold in May 2024, with delivery delayed to allow for “additional upgrades” requested by the new owner.
Still, beauty doesn’t fade with a change in hands, and Metamorphosis is already being hailed as a golden icon. The custom steel-and-aluminum project is one of two designed by Giorgio Armani in collaboration with the Centro Stile design division at TISG. At first glance, it brings to mind Armani’s own $60 million Codecasa-built yacht Main, but with one stark difference. While Main had a dark, brooding aesthetic steeped in understated luxury, Metamorphosis looks like its utopian counterpart, clad in shimmering satin gold, boasting robust geometric volumes, and flowing with smooth, curved surfaces.
The interiors are expansive, with a “suspended terrace” concept defining the upper decks, home to an open-air lounge and a helicopter landing pad, according to Boat International. But the unmistakable Armani touch lies indoors. Designed by Armani/Casa, the interior reflects the brand’s signature style: an omnipresent palette of soft hues, minimalistic detailing, refined materials, and hand-crafted finishes.
According to the yard, materials such as Black Marquinia marble, golden Calacatta, and Canaletto walnut are paired with mirrors and bespoke lighting to create an atmosphere that’s intimate, sophisticated, and timeless.
The outdoor spaces are equally impressive, with an expansive 1,000-square-foot aft entertainment platform, multiple alfresco lounges, and a helipad seamlessly integrated into the upper terrace. Amenities include a private cinema, a dedicated games lounge, and a spa complex equipped with a sauna, steam room, massage facilities, and discreet meeting areas.
There’s also a gym with panoramic sea views and a Jacuzzi with an adjacent firepit on the sun deck, each space resembling a tranquil sanctuary. Metamorphosis accommodates 14 guests in seven staterooms and carries a professional crew of 20. With a gross tonnage of 1,800 GT, this is not just a superyacht, it’s a floating expression of Giorgio Armani’s timeless elegance, reimagined at sea.
