Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani poses for photographers holding a copy of the book ‘Giorgio Armani' written by journalist Suzy Menkes, presented at the end of unveiling of his women's Spring-Summer 2016 collection, part of the Milan Fashion Week, in Milan, Italy on Monday. - AP MILAN - Italian fashion heavyweight Giorgio Armani played with various shades of red for his main womenswear line for next spring, using the color as a thread throughout his usual clean cut and elegant designs as he wrapped Milan's six days of catwalk shows. The 81-year-old designer, who once worked as a window dresser and now has a global fashion empire, used red throughout the spring/summer 2016 collection on Monday, coloring ribbed and beaded jackets, shorts, dresses and evening gowns. The tones varied in flame and geranium but there were also paler shades mixed with grey, cream and black. In front of an audience including Italian actress Sophia Loren, models strutted down the catwalk in soft jackets teamed with loose organza trousers, short jumpsuits and chiffon dresses, accessorized with wedge sandals and sometimes large wavy hats. Armani, nicknamed “King Giorgio” in Italy, is known for being hands-on in creating one of the world's most recognized fashion brands, seen both on the street and red carpet. Armani, who celebrates 40 years in fashion this year, unveiled his autobiography afterwards. The hefty book, priced at $150 or $350 for a deluxe version with royalties donated to the United Nations Children's Fund, features famed fashion shots and previously unpublished photos. - Reuters
