May 20, 2003/ FW/ --- In an announcement yesterday, England's Football Association confirmed that Milan-based designer Giorgio Armani will design the 'official off-field wardrobe' of England's Football Team for the next three years.

Giorgio Armani is designing two sets for the official off-field wardrobe - formal and casual, plus accessories.

The 'formal' Giorgio Armani look consists of a classic navy blue cotton/linen summer suit with two-button fastening and low-waisted flat-front trousers, paired with a pearl grey button-down cotton shirt and dark blue-grey iridescent silk tie.

This combination comes with a navy knee-length light wool coat with asymmetric five-button fastening.

Giorgio Armani (far left, second row) with England's National Football Team

The 'casual' Giorgio Armani look consist of a navy cashmere cardigan-jacket with navy light crepe wool flat-front trousers, again low waisted.

This is also matched with a light blue cotton button down shirt and a fitted double-breasted eight-button belted overcoat in light cotton.

Both outfits are accessorised with Emporio Armani sunglasses and watches, belts, shoes, underwear and luggage including a suitbag with wash bag and a trolley suitcase.

The designer unveiled the his first collection for the Football Association yesterday at the team's headquarters in London.

Giorgio Armani, (second to the far left, front row) with England's National Football Team

The squad wore the formal suit from this collection last night when they departed at the Luton airport on their way to Durban for the historic friendly fixture against South Africa on May 22nd 2003.

Commenting on the new signing, Sven - Goran Eriksson, the England Team Head Coach, said: "Giorgio Armani is renowned as a leader in the world of fashion and I am delighted that we will be wearing his designs".

Giorgio Armani said: "I am delighted and honoured to be working with the England team as they are representatives of one of the world's great footballing nations. It is also exciting to be designing for such a young and enthusiastic squad. Footballers today are the modern day gladiators - they have become icons both on and off the field."

The maestro is not new to the world of football. He has dressed the Italian national team, Newcastle United and Piacenza, his home town team.

He also currently dresses Chelsea (a club he describes as "a little piece of Italy in South West London"), and has recently opened a store in Kiev in the Ukraine in partnership with AC Milan's Andreij Shevchenko.

Sketch by Giorgio Armani

Sketch by Giorgio Armani

Sketch by Giorgio Armani