Dec. 1, 2008 - --Armani Hotels & Resorts, born of the collaboration between Dubai-based global property developer Emaar Properties and Giorgio Armani S.p.A, announced that construction for the Armani Hotel Milano, its flagship property in Italy, is now underway. The exclusive property will open doors in 2010.

Located at Via Manzoni 31, on one of the streets within the fashion district of Milan, the Armani Hotel Milano is a few minutes walk from the famous La Scala theatre and the spectacular Piazza del Duomo, and will complement other Armani Hotels, Armani Resorts and Armani Residences being developed in key cities around the world. The first Armani Hotel and Armani Residences will open in Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building, developed by Emaar in Dubai, in the last quarter of 2009.

The Armani Hotel Milano will add a new dimension to the present historical architecture of the location, with the world's leading fashion designer, Giorgio Armani, lending his personal design touches to the 1937 building that was originally designed by Enrico A. Griffini.

In an organic process of design evolution, Giorgio Armani will apply his elegant, under-stated style to the Armani Hotel Milano. Work on the ambitious project has started, and an image resembling the new exterior facade -- designed by Giorgio Armani -- has been put up to cover the scaffolding. An exact replica of the building's exterior, the image will remain in place throughout the process of converting the building into one of the world's most prestigious hotels.

Giorgio Armani says: "I feel a very special involvement in the project for the Armani Hotel Milano as it is located here, in my hometown. Every aspect of the hotel is a reflection of my aesthetic philosophy, and its position, above the Manzoni 31 concept store, will offer my guests the chance to experience a complete Armani lifestyle. I believe the hotel's design will perfectly fit the spirit of Milan as a capital of style, whilst offering a new experience of hospitality within its fashion district."

Mr Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, says: "The association of Emaar Properties and Giorgio Armani S.p.A was conceived to create a collection of landmark hotels and luxury residences, and these are now taking concrete shape, with rapid progress being made on the Armani Hotel and the Armani Residences in Burj Dubai, and now, the commencement of work on the Armani Hotel Milano. Apart from introducing a new facet to luxury living, these hotels will exemplify architectural excellence and will bear the unmistakable imprint of Giorgio Armani."

Billed as a modern luxury hotel with a distinctive appeal offered by its unique location, heritage value and design, the Armani Hotel Milano will occupy floors 2 to 8 of the existing building and will feature guest rooms and suites, a business centre, a restaurant, lounge bar, spa and wellness facilities. The first two floors and the basement will continue to house the existing Armani/Via Manzoni 31 retail area and restaurants; the brands and dining areas here include Emporio Armani, Armani Jeans, Armani/Casa, Emporio Armani Cafe, Armani/Nobu, Armani/Dolci and Armani/Fiori among others. The stores and restaurants will function as normal throughout the period of construction of the hotel.

Armani Hotels & Resorts launched the sale of the first Armani Residences in late 2007. This is a collection of luxury homes, personally designed by Giorgio Armani, within the iconic Burj Dubai in Dubai. Following overwhelming international response to the Armani Residences in Dubai, the second Armani Residences project has been unveiled in Marassi, Egypt.

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