One Store to Rule Them All
Stars Converge on Giorgio Armani's New NYC Landmark
The opening party for Giorgio Armani's new Fifth Avenue flagship, the first U.S. store to put all of the brand's lines under one roof, was bound to be the most star-studded event of fashion week—and it didn't disappoint. Even before Mayor Bloomberg and Caroline Kennedy helped cut the ribbon or Leonardo DiCaprio rolled up, the block was crammed with rubberneckers, and at least one overzealous paparazzo was led away from the scene by New York's Finest. Victoria Beckham entered the store to cries from adoring fans. "I worked out for five months," she said, when asked about her Armani underwear modeling gig. In the press of cameras and jostling reporters, less posh-spicy types like Liam Neeson and Richard Meier slipped by relatively unnoticed.
Inside, New York's most spectacular twisting white staircase this side of the Guggenheim's spiral led to the third floor, where Josh Hartnett, John Mayer, Alicia Keys, and Emile Hirsch were packed like precious sardines. All the while, a beaming Armani, in a crisp dark suit and tie rather than his customary navy T-shirt, welcomed guests (ciao, Chace Crawford!). The crowded route to the party's lone bar left some revelers choosing between a cocktail and a chance to greet the mogul. Not that it was much of a contest. As brand ambassador Eugenia Silva put it, "You give up alcohol for Mr. Armani."
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