The Write Touch

(MILAN) Giorgio Armani has introduced a limited-edition collection of fine writing instruments called Giorgio Armani Pens.

The first series is the Regal collection, released this month, which the designer describes as "a style which is calculated and knowing, designed with a deliberate recovery of a formal elegance drawn from the past but projected into the present." Each Regal collection pen will be available in rollerball, ballpoint and traditional fountain models.

To help create his writing instruments, Armani enlisted the support of heralded Italian pen maker Tibaldi. Founded in 1916, Tibaldi implements classical techniques used by the very first watchmakers in the 16th century and incorporates them into their numerous pen designs.

"A handwritten note is, today more than ever, a sign of etiquette, elegance and sophistication," said Armani. "To carry an iconic pen is therefore a symbol of character and style."

Available worldwide in Giorgio Armani boutiques and Tibaldi authorized dealers, each pen is detailed with Giorgio Armani's "GA" initials on the cap as well as the rhodium-and-ruthenium-plated solid 18-karat gold nib. Each pen is hand turned by skilled artisans to imbue each barrel with a one-of-a-kind rippled effect onto which nine layers of translucent enamel are applied by hand.

The Armani writing instruments will be sold individually and in special-edition deluxe package featuring ink, envelopes, and special Giorgio Armani letterhead set in a handcrafted black lacquered box. This first collection will be limited to 199 numbered pieces of each writing instrument and presented in either a natural or ruthenium plated sterling silver trim. Retail price starts from 2,000 euros, or approximately $3,114.