The world renowned Italian designer, Giorgio Armani's passion for India was displayed with great style at the Milan Fashion Week on Monday. Next year he plans to open a chain of stores in India.
Known for his elegant styles, Armani has re-created the days of the Raj in an ethnic collection for his younger Emporio line. There were maharajas adorned in jewels, princes in jodhpurs and dancing girls in gauze-like silks.
The key of Armani's new range appears to be the 19th century-style jodhpurs, cut full around the hips and tight between knee and ankle.
Armani is known to be passionate about India. He sends his gowns to India to be hand-beaded in crystals, sequins and pearls. It is believed that five years ago he toured India in a Mercedes limousine. He was mesmerised by the people and the country's landscape and history. The depth of his affection for India was evident in the programme notes which featured the Emporio Armani logo inside a stylised lotus flower and a typeface resembling the Indian Devnagari script.