New Emporio Armani capsule collection for Africa

Giorgio Armani, speaking at the Davos World Economic Forum yesterday, announced his support of the Product (Red), the pioneering global business initiative launched by Bono and Bobby Shriver for The Global Fund.

(Red) is a global initiative whose primary objective is to engage the private sector in the fight against Aids in Africa by channelling funds from the sale of (Red) products directly to The Global Fund for Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Companies whose products take on the (Red) mark contribute a portion of profits from the sale of that product to the Global Fund to finance Aids programmes in Africa, with a focus on women and children. Current partners are also American Express, Converse and Gap.

Giorgio Armani, Chairman and Chief Executive of Giorgio Armani SpA, said, 'It is time to take action, but in a new way. When my friends Bono and Bobby Shriver invited me to join forces through (Red), I understood immediately that this was a pioneering initiative. To unify global brands for goodwill is both powerful and humbling. I have always seen brilliance in simplicity - and (Red) perfectly defines this. I am proud to follow an inspirational warrior like Bono in the fight against Aids in Africa. I have always considered myself to be a democratic designer and I will now dedicate myself to work on this initiative in the way I have always done, involving all of those people around the world who enjoy my designs'.

In support of (Red), Giorgio Armani is designing a special Emporio Armani capsule collection comprising clothing, accessories, eyewear, watches, jewellery and fragrances. Giorgio Armani's first (Red) product will be a pair of Emporio Armani sunglasses (style EA 9285/S), produced by Safilo. The striking metal wraparound sunglasses, worn by Bono on U2's recent Vertigo World Tour, featuring a single lens available in green, rose, blue, smoke grey, or grey/brown, all embossed with the Emporio Armani (Red) logo. The forked arms, available in shades of ruthenium, gun metal, and light gold are super imposed on the lens with a futuristic feel. The Emporio Armani (Red) sunglasses will be available from April in all Emporio Armani stores and in select specialty eyewear stores and department stores worldwide. Pre-orders for the sunglasses can be made by e-mail.

Giorgio Armani will present the complete Emporio Armani (Red) capsule collection later in 2006.