Hollywood's favorite fashion icon lands in China's capital for a runway extravaganza. MC's Ying Chu goes along for the ride.
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Having conquered Hollywood fashion in film (American Gigolo) and on the red carpet (from bedazzled Lady Gaga to minimal Cate Blanchett), Giorgio Armani is going East. "I've always loved China — its sophistication, its decoration," proclaims the designer, whose first mainland shop opened in Beijing in 1998.
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Invitations to the show.
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On his latest trip, he turned an old water tanker in Beijing's 798 Art District into a stage for "One Night Only," a monumental show joining his Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, and Armani Privé (couture) collections under one roof. His audience of 1,000 included longtime admirer Tina Turner and Armani-clad Asian stars like Fan Bingbing.
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The show's theatrical entrance.
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What could top such an epic event? His investment in the future: Armani has spearheaded a fashion program at the Academy of Arts & Design at Tsinghua University, forging a cultural exchange between East and West. Already, two design hopefuls have been awarded internships in Milan next summer. "Personally, I hope to find someone who can give me a new perspective. That's how we all learn," says Armani.
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Backstage brights.
Courtesy of Designer
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Clutch $2,580, Giorgio Armani; armani.com for stores.
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Some final preshow preening.
Courtesy of Designer
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"I never sacrifice individuality for trend. I don't ignore trends, but my point is to design clothes for people to buy in shops, not just for shows and photo shoots. Eighty percent of designer collections aren't even produced." — Giorgio Armani
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The Great Wall aglow at night.
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"Chinese customers want a little more flash than Europeans. But women's style is constantly becoming more universal. And for these pieces, I went more subtle with structure." — Armani
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The city's vibrant markets.
Courtesy of Designer
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Shoes $975, Emporio Armani; armani.com for stores.
Courtesy of Company
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"When I started my career in the '70s, it wasn't easy to travel to China. I learned about it through books and films like Bernardo Bertolucci's The Last Emperor." — Armani
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Armani with actress Shu Qi.
Courtesy of Designer
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Purple & red bracelets $295 each, multicolor bracelet $375, Emporio Armani; armani.com for stores.
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