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The gospel according to Mr Armani
While fashion might well be deeply entrenched in 'the moment', it is - behind the scenes - one hell of a lot of on-going hard and gritty graft, as any busy bee designer will confirm. None has toiled as tirelessly as the golden-tanned, silver fox Mr Giorgio Armani, who, at 74 years of age - and with his fashion fabulous career spanning across three decades - has a zest for life and work that could put any whippersnapper of half his age to shame.
Mr Armani's revolutionary un-structured jackets, back in the '80s, marked him out as a man who plays the game his unique way, and whose design ethos appeals as much to A-List stars (he's attired everyone from Richard Gere to Beyonce), as it does to everyday folk who like to dress impeccably. His array of collections therefore cater for the mega-rich, the medium-affluent and those on more modest budgets, and includes - take a deep breath - the signature Giorgio Armani line, Giorgio Armani Privé, Armani Collezioni, Emporio Armani, Armani Jeans, Armani Junior, A/X Armani Exchange and Armani Casa home interiors, plus shoes and bags, watches, eyewear, jewellery, fragrances, cosmetics and home furnishings.
If you need a few facts and figures to illustrate just how much of a power horse the Armani brand actually is, consider the following: Giorgio Armani's various fashion and lifestyle enterprises employ over 5,000 people worldwide, encompass over 300 exclusive retails stores in 40 different countries, plus 13 factories, and annually rake in literally billions of Euros. Furthermore, Mr Armani has won awards and accolades by the bucket load - notably including the Best International Designer and Lifetime Achievement Award for menswear, from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. He has been recognised with an Honorary Doctorate from the Royal College of Art in London, and garnered the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Award for his success at connecting the worlds of fashion and cinema together. He has also served as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, and - in 2006 - helped to launch product RED, the pioneering initiative founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver, to combat AIDS in Africa.
For once, then, the word "LEGEND' is truly deserved.
A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF MR ARMANI Work, rest and play the Italian fashion power-horse way...
“I usually wake up at 7:00 am, have breakfast, throw gym clothes on and work out for about one hour everyday - except Sunday. This is fundamental in preparing for my workday. I work as a norm ten to eleven hours a day. As you know, I am deeply involved in every aspect of my business, which keeps me very busy. Then, in the evening, I generally stop at the Nobu Bar in Milan, at 7:30pm for a drink. It's around the corner from my house and has a great atmosphere. It helps me to unwind, and is, I suppose, my way of getting close to the everyday life of the city."
i-D STARTS IT, MR ARMANI ENDS IT The fashion legend finishes off the following fifteen statements...
If I could be invisible for the day I would... relax.
If I wasn't doing this right now I would be... an Oscar-winning Director.
If I could have one wish granted it would be... happiness!
The most important lesson in life is... learning from one's own mistakes.
The best thing about being me is... courage and determination.
The thing that most annoys me is... laziness.
I would never want to... stop enjoying my work!
I am most frightened of... losing my health.
I am most proud of... my company.
I regret... not having much time to spend with my family and closest friends.
When I last looked in the mirror I thought... that I am very lucky.
Success is... being satisfied with what you are doing.
Beauty is... all about self confidence.
Style is... something that comes naturally to certain people. It has many components - poise, understatement and a quiet assurance. Style is what Armani is all about. Fashion is for seasons, style is forever.
My most treasured memory is... my good friend and business partner Sergio Galeotti.
Charity I would mention the (PRODUCT) RED charitable initiative. What attracted me in the first place was the simple idea that people can continue to do what they enjoy most, but at the same time in so doing make a real difference in the life of someone else living with AIDS in Africa. RED is a remarkable project, a pioneering initiative bringing together a number of global brands in order to raise funds from the private sector and commit them to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa.
DrinkThe 'Armani Martini, served by the Nobu bar and restaurant. It combines sake, vodka, cranberry and lime. The perfect cocktail for a summer's evening.
Item of clothingOne of my signature classic suits - beautifully tailored and well structured, they are able to flatter one's own body without sacrificing comfort. Sometimes, the simplest cuts are the most difficult to achieve.
FilmVittorio De Sica's Ladri di Biciclette is one of my all-time favourites. The Twenties, Thirties and Forties cover my preferred time period for fashion. It was a time when people really dressed up in an elegant manner with an impeccable attention to details.
ArtworkMy Matisse painting. It is very special to me and I feel very attached to it. It was a birthday present from my good friend Eric Clapton. I love it not only for the sentimental value but also because Matisse is one of my all-time favourite artists. His handling of the brush is second to none, as is evident in the way he depicts a window, an interior or a still life. There is such colour and harmony, such invention and lightness to his work. I especially appreciate his philosophical simplicity.
Time of the dayDefinitely, the morning. I love waking up in good humour with the outline of new adventures and possibilities.
MR ARMANI'S STYLE TIPS FOR ALL OCCASIONS Five easy steps to successful attire from the man who knows best...
For the beach Go for a simple bikini, better if worn with one or two accessories - they will smarten up your look!
For a job interview Choose a classic jacket, better if worn with a pair of fluid trousers and flat shoes. Classic elegance will never go out of style!
For dinner at a posh restaurant with friends Choose something casual yet stylish at the same time... what about a pair of jeans worn with an embroidered top?
For a first date with someone special I would suggest something fresh, like a short floral dress. Do not forget to wear high heels with a matching bag - they will smarten up any outfit.
For just chilling out at home Definitely something comfortable, but never forgetting elegance!
FAMOUS FACES OFTEN SEEN IN ARMANI Ten Armani style icons...
Beyoncé Beyoncé is unusual in the music industry as she really understands 'the moment'. The clothing she wears on stage expresses a part of her personality that is very physical, almost aggressive. But then she can transform herself on the red carpet with a great sense of femininity and glamour normally associated with movie stars. Her message is, 'be confident, know yourself and show your individuality'
Sophia Loren She is the icon of the Mediterranean beauty. Her magnetic charisma captures anyone's attention when she walks into a room. Confident, strong and fabulous!
Leonardo Di Caprio I started my friendship with Leo when he was a teenager, when his talent, charisma and humour were already un-containable. He is iconic and adorable and brilliant. I admire everything about him - from his career to his style. No one looks better, in jeans or a tux.
Claudia Cardinale I have not only been a great fan of Claudia but also a dear friend. She wears my clothing with such naturalness that every item she wears seems to be tailored just for her. She inspires me with her style, class and personality.
Lady Helen Taylor Lady Helen Taylor always wears my clothing with such elegance and naturalness. I think of chic easy sophistication whenever I see her.
Tom Cruise Tom is the personification of style and substance. I met him in the early 1990's, and was struck then by his sophistication and integrity. Without a doubt, he was a born superstar. There is a 'force of nature' quality about him that would allow nothing less. He only gets better.
Michelle Pfeiffer Michelle is one of those absolute pure beauties that mirror my image of elegance, sophistication and understatement. She never tries too hard and can captivate your attention with just a mere glance.
Eugenia Silva Eugenia incorporates all of those elements I find alluring in a young woman - simple elegance, understatement and sophistication. She's the ultimate modern young woman, with an incredible sense of personal style and a naturalness that is so inspiring!
George Clooney George is all about understated elegance. You're not completely sure why he's the best-dressed man in the room. He just is. So naturally, working with George is a designer's dream. And being his friend transcends business. There is not a nicer, more genuine man... who also just happens to be an honorary Italian.
Cate Blanchett Cate Blanchett epitomises the woman for whom I love designing. With her immense talent, she has come to embody the ideal Armani woman: serene, confident, elegant, at ease with herself and with the world.
Jacket If I have a defining item in my career, then it is this, my jacket. I have always built collections around jackets, as they seem to me to provide the backbone of any wardrobe. The message I would like to convey through this is timelessness. This philosophy will never go out of fashion, as it is more about eternal style than seasonal changes thus the real beauty of a well-cut jacket is that it never goes out of style!
Suiting I am convinced that certain items will never go out of style. Take as an example one of my signature classic suits: beautifully tailored and well structured, they are able to flatter a woman's body without sacrificing comfort. Sometimes, the simplest cuts are the most difficult to achieve.
Fluid trousers Relaxed yet elegant, they make you feel comfortable while appropriate for any occasion.
Understatement I deeply believe elegance consists in creating a look, which is simple, pure, sophisticated and elegant. The quintessential essence of the Armani style.
Minimalism A complete look is perfect if worn with one or two accessories, no more.
SUCCESSFUL DINNER PARTIES, THE ARMANI WAY Five mouthwatering tips to keep your invitees coming back for more....
i-Deal main courseI would say Risotto alla Milanese, that is a pan-fried version of traditional risotto, typically Milanese.
i-Deal desertTortino al Cloccolato - I have a weakness for dark chocolate!
i-Deal alcohol Red wine - for the warmth. A good Chianti.
i-Deal guests Family and closest friends.
i-Deal venue Home.
For Mr Armani's favourite Risotto alla Milanese you will need... Ingredients: 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads 3 to 4 cups chicken broth, 7 tablespoons butter or margarine, 1 large onion - chopped, 1 1/2 cups uncooked short-grain white rice, 1/2 cup dry white wine, 1/2 teaspoon salt, dash black pepper, 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley.
Directions: Crush the saffron. Bring broth to the boil in saucepan on a medium heat then reduce heat. Stir 1/2 cup of the broth into the saffron to dissolve - place to one side. Heat 6 tablespoons of butter in large saucepan over medium heat until it melts. Cook onion until soft. Stir in rice; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in salt, pepper and wine. Cook over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes until wine has evaporated, stirring now and then, measure 1/2 cup hot broth - stir into rice mixture. Reduce heat to medium-low, keep it simmering. Cook and stir until broth has absorbed. Repeat, adding 1/2 cup broth 3 more times, cooking and stirring until broth has absorbed. Add saffron-flavoured broth to rice and cook until absorbed. Continue to add remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, cooking for 20 minutes or so, and stirring until rice is tender but firm and takes on a slight creamy consistency. Remove risotto from heat. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon butter and cheese. Garnish, if desired. Serve while piping hot!
IN MR ARMANI'S OWN WORDS Over the decades Mr Armani has been interviewed more times that you've had hot dinners. Here's ten of his best 'bits'...
TWENTY THREE SENTENCES ABOUT MR ARMANI Some words to make you an Armani know-it-all...
Mr Armani's revolutionary un-structured jackets, back in the '80s, marked him out as a man who plays the game his unique way, and whose design ethos appeals as much to A-List stars (he's attired everyone from Richard Gere to Beyonce), as it does to everyday folk who like to dress impeccably. His array of collections therefore cater for the mega-rich, the medium-affluent and those on more modest budgets, and includes - take a deep breath - the signature Giorgio Armani line, Giorgio Armani Privé, Armani Collezioni, Emporio Armani, Armani Jeans, Armani Junior, A/X Armani Exchange and Armani Casa home interiors, plus shoes and bags, watches, eyewear, jewellery, fragrances, cosmetics and home furnishings.
If you need a few facts and figures to illustrate just how much of a power horse the Armani brand actually is, consider the following: Giorgio Armani's various fashion and lifestyle enterprises employ over 5,000 people worldwide, encompass over 300 exclusive retails stores in 40 different countries, plus 13 factories, and annually rake in literally billions of Euros. Furthermore, Mr Armani has won awards and accolades by the bucket load - notably including the Best International Designer and Lifetime Achievement Award for menswear, from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. He has been recognised with an Honorary Doctorate from the Royal College of Art in London, and garnered the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Award for his success at connecting the worlds of fashion and cinema together. He has also served as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, and - in 2006 - helped to launch product RED, the pioneering initiative founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver, to combat AIDS in Africa.
For once, then, the word "LEGEND' is truly deserved.
A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF MR ARMANI Work, rest and play the Italian fashion power-horse way...
“I usually wake up at 7:00 am, have breakfast, throw gym clothes on and work out for about one hour everyday - except Sunday. This is fundamental in preparing for my workday. I work as a norm ten to eleven hours a day. As you know, I am deeply involved in every aspect of my business, which keeps me very busy. Then, in the evening, I generally stop at the Nobu Bar in Milan, at 7:30pm for a drink. It's around the corner from my house and has a great atmosphere. It helps me to unwind, and is, I suppose, my way of getting close to the everyday life of the city."
i-D STARTS IT, MR ARMANI ENDS IT The fashion legend finishes off the following fifteen statements...
If I could be invisible for the day I would... relax.
If I wasn't doing this right now I would be... an Oscar-winning Director.
If I could have one wish granted it would be... happiness!
The most important lesson in life is... learning from one's own mistakes.
The best thing about being me is... courage and determination.
The thing that most annoys me is... laziness.
I would never want to... stop enjoying my work!
I am most frightened of... losing my health.
I am most proud of... my company.
I regret... not having much time to spend with my family and closest friends.
When I last looked in the mirror I thought... that I am very lucky.
Success is... being satisfied with what you are doing.
Beauty is... all about self confidence.
Style is... something that comes naturally to certain people. It has many components - poise, understatement and a quiet assurance. Style is what Armani is all about. Fashion is for seasons, style is forever.
My most treasured memory is... my good friend and business partner Sergio Galeotti.
Charity I would mention the (PRODUCT) RED charitable initiative. What attracted me in the first place was the simple idea that people can continue to do what they enjoy most, but at the same time in so doing make a real difference in the life of someone else living with AIDS in Africa. RED is a remarkable project, a pioneering initiative bringing together a number of global brands in order to raise funds from the private sector and commit them to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa.
DrinkThe 'Armani Martini, served by the Nobu bar and restaurant. It combines sake, vodka, cranberry and lime. The perfect cocktail for a summer's evening.
Item of clothingOne of my signature classic suits - beautifully tailored and well structured, they are able to flatter one's own body without sacrificing comfort. Sometimes, the simplest cuts are the most difficult to achieve.
FilmVittorio De Sica's Ladri di Biciclette is one of my all-time favourites. The Twenties, Thirties and Forties cover my preferred time period for fashion. It was a time when people really dressed up in an elegant manner with an impeccable attention to details.
ArtworkMy Matisse painting. It is very special to me and I feel very attached to it. It was a birthday present from my good friend Eric Clapton. I love it not only for the sentimental value but also because Matisse is one of my all-time favourite artists. His handling of the brush is second to none, as is evident in the way he depicts a window, an interior or a still life. There is such colour and harmony, such invention and lightness to his work. I especially appreciate his philosophical simplicity.
Time of the dayDefinitely, the morning. I love waking up in good humour with the outline of new adventures and possibilities.
MR ARMANI'S STYLE TIPS FOR ALL OCCASIONS Five easy steps to successful attire from the man who knows best...
For the beach Go for a simple bikini, better if worn with one or two accessories - they will smarten up your look!
For a job interview Choose a classic jacket, better if worn with a pair of fluid trousers and flat shoes. Classic elegance will never go out of style!
For dinner at a posh restaurant with friends Choose something casual yet stylish at the same time... what about a pair of jeans worn with an embroidered top?
For a first date with someone special I would suggest something fresh, like a short floral dress. Do not forget to wear high heels with a matching bag - they will smarten up any outfit.
For just chilling out at home Definitely something comfortable, but never forgetting elegance!
FAMOUS FACES OFTEN SEEN IN ARMANI Ten Armani style icons...
Beyoncé Beyoncé is unusual in the music industry as she really understands 'the moment'. The clothing she wears on stage expresses a part of her personality that is very physical, almost aggressive. But then she can transform herself on the red carpet with a great sense of femininity and glamour normally associated with movie stars. Her message is, 'be confident, know yourself and show your individuality'
Sophia Loren She is the icon of the Mediterranean beauty. Her magnetic charisma captures anyone's attention when she walks into a room. Confident, strong and fabulous!
Leonardo Di Caprio I started my friendship with Leo when he was a teenager, when his talent, charisma and humour were already un-containable. He is iconic and adorable and brilliant. I admire everything about him - from his career to his style. No one looks better, in jeans or a tux.
Claudia Cardinale I have not only been a great fan of Claudia but also a dear friend. She wears my clothing with such naturalness that every item she wears seems to be tailored just for her. She inspires me with her style, class and personality.
Lady Helen Taylor Lady Helen Taylor always wears my clothing with such elegance and naturalness. I think of chic easy sophistication whenever I see her.
Tom Cruise Tom is the personification of style and substance. I met him in the early 1990's, and was struck then by his sophistication and integrity. Without a doubt, he was a born superstar. There is a 'force of nature' quality about him that would allow nothing less. He only gets better.
Michelle Pfeiffer Michelle is one of those absolute pure beauties that mirror my image of elegance, sophistication and understatement. She never tries too hard and can captivate your attention with just a mere glance.
Eugenia Silva Eugenia incorporates all of those elements I find alluring in a young woman - simple elegance, understatement and sophistication. She's the ultimate modern young woman, with an incredible sense of personal style and a naturalness that is so inspiring!
George Clooney George is all about understated elegance. You're not completely sure why he's the best-dressed man in the room. He just is. So naturally, working with George is a designer's dream. And being his friend transcends business. There is not a nicer, more genuine man... who also just happens to be an honorary Italian.
Cate Blanchett Cate Blanchett epitomises the woman for whom I love designing. With her immense talent, she has come to embody the ideal Armani woman: serene, confident, elegant, at ease with herself and with the world.
Jacket If I have a defining item in my career, then it is this, my jacket. I have always built collections around jackets, as they seem to me to provide the backbone of any wardrobe. The message I would like to convey through this is timelessness. This philosophy will never go out of fashion, as it is more about eternal style than seasonal changes thus the real beauty of a well-cut jacket is that it never goes out of style!
Suiting I am convinced that certain items will never go out of style. Take as an example one of my signature classic suits: beautifully tailored and well structured, they are able to flatter a woman's body without sacrificing comfort. Sometimes, the simplest cuts are the most difficult to achieve.
Fluid trousers Relaxed yet elegant, they make you feel comfortable while appropriate for any occasion.
Understatement I deeply believe elegance consists in creating a look, which is simple, pure, sophisticated and elegant. The quintessential essence of the Armani style.
Minimalism A complete look is perfect if worn with one or two accessories, no more.
SUCCESSFUL DINNER PARTIES, THE ARMANI WAY Five mouthwatering tips to keep your invitees coming back for more....
i-Deal main courseI would say Risotto alla Milanese, that is a pan-fried version of traditional risotto, typically Milanese.
i-Deal desertTortino al Cloccolato - I have a weakness for dark chocolate!
i-Deal alcohol Red wine - for the warmth. A good Chianti.
i-Deal guests Family and closest friends.
i-Deal venue Home.
For Mr Armani's favourite Risotto alla Milanese you will need... Ingredients: 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads 3 to 4 cups chicken broth, 7 tablespoons butter or margarine, 1 large onion - chopped, 1 1/2 cups uncooked short-grain white rice, 1/2 cup dry white wine, 1/2 teaspoon salt, dash black pepper, 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley.
Directions: Crush the saffron. Bring broth to the boil in saucepan on a medium heat then reduce heat. Stir 1/2 cup of the broth into the saffron to dissolve - place to one side. Heat 6 tablespoons of butter in large saucepan over medium heat until it melts. Cook onion until soft. Stir in rice; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in salt, pepper and wine. Cook over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes until wine has evaporated, stirring now and then, measure 1/2 cup hot broth - stir into rice mixture. Reduce heat to medium-low, keep it simmering. Cook and stir until broth has absorbed. Repeat, adding 1/2 cup broth 3 more times, cooking and stirring until broth has absorbed. Add saffron-flavoured broth to rice and cook until absorbed. Continue to add remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, cooking for 20 minutes or so, and stirring until rice is tender but firm and takes on a slight creamy consistency. Remove risotto from heat. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon butter and cheese. Garnish, if desired. Serve while piping hot!
IN MR ARMANI'S OWN WORDS Over the decades Mr Armani has been interviewed more times that you've had hot dinners. Here's ten of his best 'bits'...
- Talking about dressing The England World Cup Football Team to The Independent. "As a designer, it's always good to stretch yourself, and the challenge of dressing people whose bodies are fine-tuned and developed is one that I particularly enjoy."
- Talking about his childhood during war times to the International Herald Tribune. "I experienced the death of two childhood friends from a war bomb. I was machine-gunned, with my three-year-old sister Rosanna."
- Talking about one of his fears to Wallpaper*. "Occasionally I wonder what would happen if the creativity vanished - if I woke up one morning and had no more ideas? That would be frightening. But so far, so good."
- Talking about the early days with his partner Sergio Galeotti to The Independent. "We were able to open a small office and pretend we were a professional organisation, when we really didn't know what we were doing. The company was funded by the sale of my VW Beetle - and you know what? We got away with it."
- Talking about actor Josh Hartnett to i-D. "Josh radiates cool. On the screen and off, I have always watched the way he innately knows how to interpret his good looks and work with clothing as fascinating, contemporary props. He has a real individual, youthful attitude, which has often inspired me."
- Talking about first meeting Andy Warhol to Interview. "Andy stopped me in a corridor for 10 seconds and took a photo to work off. It is now hanging in my office... I was quite in awe of him."
- Talking about a happy memory from his youth to the International Herald Tribune. "I remember a trip, possibly the only one, in a wonderful car with leather and metal spokes. It probably belonged to a friend of my father's and was an old 1930's model. We had parked this car by the side of a lake, and we were eating frittata. I have a wonderful memory of the beautiful sky, the light blue lake, the smell of the omelette and of the leather in the car."
- Talking about fame to The Independent. "I am in fact a rather private person, so the role that I sometimes have to play, attending fashion events and parties and giving interviews, does not always make me feel comfortable."
- Talking about his heroes to The Dallas News. "It's really not easy to single out only one person. I must say I admire people who stay true to their own values and philosophy of style. Coco Chanel was someone that I have great admiration for."
- Talking about equality on the football pitch to The Daily Express. "I vote with both hands for women football!"
TWENTY THREE SENTENCES ABOUT MR ARMANI Some words to make you an Armani know-it-all...
- Mr Armani last went on holiday to Antigua in the spring
- Mr Armani's mum was called Maria, and by way of tribute he named his $20 million yacht after her.
- Mr Armani studied medicine prior to his fashion career... until he realised he wasn't quite cut out for it.
- Mr Armani finds vulgarity most upsetting
- Mr Armani wishes that he had invented the corkscrew.
- Mr Armani was picked by People magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the world, back in 1991.
- Mr Armani is a proudly independent business genius - the sole shareholder in his company, which rakes in approximately $7 billion per year.
- Mr Armani has been rated the world's most wealthy fashion designer by Forbes, with his personal fortune estimated at a gulp-inducing $4.5 billion!
- Mr Armani appeared on the cover of Time magazine in 1982 - the first fashion designer to grace it since Christian Dior.
- Mr Armani was born on July 11, 1934, and grew up in the small town of Piacenza, where he loved to go the cinema and watch Westerns and Italian comedies - though later he got into neo-realist films.
- Mr Armani's family were not well off when he was a kid, so his dad would sometimes make do with a stomach-rumbling snack of bread dipped into a cup of cappuccino for his dinner.
- Mr Armani was one of the first designers to embrace eco-friendly principles in his work back in the mid '90s - by recycling, for example, and using organic cottons long before everyone got in on the act.
- Mr Armani thought it was very cool indeed when Big Boi and Andre 3000 of Outkast bigged him up after their performance at a swanky bash in Hollywood, which concluded with the line, "Mr Armani, thank you for all the clothes, brother!*
- Mr Armani likes to have his studio re-decorated twice a year, in colours which reflect the palette of his current collections.
- Mr Armani has the optimistic philosophy that, You know more than you think, and you can do more than you know."
- Mr Armani does not wear dark shades to be cool, but instead because his eyes were seriously damaged in an accident involving some explosives when he was younger.
- Mr Armani's design ethos combines three essential aspects - getting rid of unnecessary elements, maximising comfort, and acknowledging the elegance of the uncomplicated.
- Mr Armani used to make dolls out of mud when he was a kid, and hide a coffee bean inside them.
- Mr Armani once bought and wore a pair of cowboy boots while in Dallas - then got in a tizzy later on when he couldn't take them off.
- Mr Armani is rumoured to have stopped dancing when he was in his twenties, for fear of looking daft!
- Mr Armani is not a superstitious person.
- Mr Armani is rather partial to the chocolate tortino cake, served at his very own Emporio Armani Caffe in Milan.
- Mr Armani's mum lived to the grand old age of 90, and he hopes to do the same.