Armani's about-face

Italian designer Giorgio Armani has decided to change tactics. After 40 years in the fashion business, the 70-year-old dynamo has admitted that he needs to allow more people to view his collections. He revealed that he has to allow room for criticism in order to move ahead and do the one thing he loves.

His new attitude to his work was revealed in his last fashion show. It was a grandiose affair, held in New York, attended by over 2,000 readers of Paper magazine and a smattering of celebrities. For the first time ever, Armani admitted "regular people" in to witness the catwalk presentation, which included Ricky Martin strutting his stuff in Armani designs.