Could Narciso Rodriguez Succeed Armani?

Rumour in New York has it that Giorgio Armani had approached Cuban-American designer Narciso Rodriguez to be the heir to his fashion 'emporio.'

The Italian designer, who has retained control over his fashion house without bowing down to the larger luxury group companies, is turning 70 this year and may be considering retirement.

According to a source at New York Metro, Rodriguez has been offered a multi-million euro package to front the house starting with the spring/summer 2005 collection. The deal stipulates, however, that he would have to relinquish his own label, which is currently selling well in The States and the UK. Publicists for both designers declined to comment.