Continuing the trend of overseas fashion and luxury brands making major real estate investments in Japan, Armani has just announced a plan to build a new project on Harumi Dori in Ginza. The twelve storey building will include the Armani Group's head office functions alongside several floors of showrooms. The concept for the store matches similar operations in Munich, Hong Kong and Milan and will include a restaurant and night club. Giorgio Armani is said to have selected the site himself based on recommendations from his Japan team. Although the company will be leasing the property rather than buying the real estate outright, the building will represent one the largest single investments by the company anywhere in the world. The tower has been designed by an Italian group who have worked regularly with Armani but they will be using some Japanese motifs including a bamboo facade on the first three floors. The complex will open on the 7th of November this year and the company will be holding a fashion and music event at the Budokan to promote the occasion.

Just to keep this thread up to date, here's one of the articles reporting on the opening:

Armani woos Japan's shoppers with luxury playground

..."Japan is a market that's rather stagnant now," Armani told Reuters. But he saw opportunities for expansion in specific areas such as high-margin handbags and shoes and upmarket furniture. "Japan's contribution to our revenues is still too limited in percentage terms, and we see this presence as a good way of re-starting my name, my brand here with a new formula"...Asked about the next big thing after the accessories boom, Armani said: "One important step is my activity in the hotel business, which is closely linked to Armani Casa." The Armani group is working with developers on hotels and residences in Dubai, Milan and Tokyo, and the Armani Casa furniture business is expanding around the world...The 73-year-old pulled out all the stops for his Tokyo marketing events over the past two days, flying in celebrities such as actress Cate Blanchett. Singer Fergie entertained guests at a launch party that also featured fashion shows with several Japanese models, who are still a rarity on European catwalks...

Armani looks the same but Kate seems...older...or is it just me? Bad camera angle for her too...

L S wrote:Armani looks the same but Kate seems...older...or is it just me? Bad camera angle for her too...

It's puffy legs from the flight over.. It kills, you know..

GJ

I think her puffy head is more of a problem.