PARIS, Jan 24, 2005/ FW/ --- He is a household name in the U.S. There’s really no reason to introduce him. But when the Italian design maestro opens the haute couture season at the City of Lights while showing his first ever collection for the crème de la crème of fashion, even die hard fans like this journalist takes more than just a second look.

Because he is Giorgio Armani and he never do things halfway. He always give “the full monty” to use a vernacular. And to use another youthful slang, what he showed in Paris today was “dope!”

It was about the glamour of old Hollywood, interspersed with the now. It’s about being a woman and a girl. But it’s not about being cavalier or haughty. It’s about being pretty, being beautiful, and to use an old nursery rhyme, “It’s sugar & spice, and everything nice… that’s what girls are made of.”

From the sultry crème de menthe gown with dropped beaded sleeves to the dramatic shimmering gown that made the model look like a mermaid; it was signature Armani – beautiful, classic and simply fabulous.

It’s really hard to choose a favorite because everything was lovely. And I wish I can own all of them, which is of course impossible, because the gowns start at about 120,000 euros. So, I will have to be content to just look at them and enjoy its beauty because each gown is statement of Armani’s definition of beauty.

And for those who missed the three shows here in Paris, there are still three chances – Los Angeles for the Oscars and then to New York and Tokyo for client showings.

Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani