Armani's Tokyo Takeover

(NEW YORK) In preparation for the unveiling of Giorgio Armani's Ginza Tower on November 6, the designer is hosting a series of events in the Land of the Rising Sun--with some celebrity star power to boot. Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett--whose Sydney Theatre Company Armani is supporting--is flying in especially for the occasion, a two-day event beginning at 9:30 in the morning with a religious Japanese opening ceremony, followed by a press preview and press conference. On the evening of Nov. 6 at 6 p.m., Armani and Blanchett will officially open the Armani/Ginza Tower with a celebratory cocktail reception.

The following day, Armani will host a special dinner, fashion show, and performance by Fergie entitled "One Night Only" at the Nippon Budokan arena in central Tokyo, a venue that has played host to a series of bands over the years, including the Beatles and Bob Dylan, and is now primarily used as a space for Japanese martial arts championships. The fashion spectacle is similar to what Armani staged in London last September and will also feature the complete men's and women's Giorgio Armani and Emporio Armani spring collections.

The Armani/Ginza Tower will measure about 65,000 square feet over 12 floors and two basement levels and will include Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, and Armani Casa collections, as well as the brand's first spa, an Italian restaurant, and an Armani Privé bar. Showrooms and the new corporate headquarters of Giorgio Armani Japan Co. Ltd. will round out the offerings.