The outfits of the Italian team at the London Olympics have been unveiled by the none other designer genius, Giorgio Armani. The suits have been created under the Emporio Armani EA7 sports label. These masterpieces would be worn by the 280-member Italian Olympic contingent at the opening ceremony as well as other formal occasions. 15 members of the Italian Olympic team including five-time medalist fencer Valentina Vezzali showcased the garments.
The fashion guru avoided excessive use of the white, red and green which are the colours of the Italian flag. Instead he embroidered in gold the first lines of Italy’s national anthem at two places – on the back of the collars of polo shirts and on the inside lining of the uniform jackets. The shade of blue chosen is much darker than the usual azure or sky blue associated with Italian national sports teams. The 50-piece collection of dark blue and white clothing will be given to all athletes participating in 2012 summer Olympics.
French Connection is selling 14 of its 71 stores, including boutiques in Uxbridge, Bromley and Kingston as well as in the Bluewater, Brent Cross and Lakeside shopping centres. Financially the company has lagged behind other high street conglomerates and this year saw its pre-tax profit fall from £7.3m to £5m, although its biggest loss came from its British and European retail business, which fell from a loss of £1.6m to £-8.2m.
If it’s Gaultier for Madonna then it’s Armani for Gaga. Giorgio Armani has created a range of wild custom-made outfits for Lady Gaga. His creations include lashings of luminous PVC, a keyboard head piece and spiky shoulders.