Giorgio Armani S.p.A. announces the appointment of Bridget Ryan Berman as Chief Executive Officer of Giorgio Armani Corporation, its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, with effect from April 10, 2006.

Ms. Ryan Berman, 45, was most recently Vice President / Chief Operating Officer of Retail Stores for Apple Computer, Inc, with responsibility for over 100 retail locations that Apple owns and operates throughout the United States, Japan and the United Kingdom. Her appointment at Apple Computer in June, 2004, followed more than 20 years in department and designer store retailing, the last 12 years of which were served with the Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, ultimately as Group President of Retail, with responsibility for the strategic development and operational management of Polo Ralph Lauren’s worldwide direct retail network. Ms. Ryan Berman was also a member of Polo Ralph Lauren’s executive leadership team and was a member of the board of directors for RL Media. Ms. Ryan Berman’s career began with Allied Department Stores, followed by executive postings at Federated Department Stores and May Department Stores in merchandising and store management.

Giorgio Armani, President and Chief Executive of Giorgio Armani S.p.A., said:
“I am delighted to welcome Bridget Ryan Berman to our executive management team at a time of significant opportunity and expansion for the Armani brand in the United States, the company’s most important marketplace in terms of consolidated and wholesale revenues. Her wide-ranging and varied industry experience is perfectly matched to our unique multi-brand strategy and will be an invaluable asset to the company going forward.”

As announced in January, Matteo Mascazzini, 37, was appointed Chief Operating Officer of Giorgio Armani Corporation with effect from March 1. Mr. Mascazzini joined the Armani Group in 2003 as Chief Financial Officer at Giorgio Armani Japan, its wholly-owned Japanese subsidiary. He had previously been Financial Controller at Versace Corporation in the United States and Group Financial Controller at Versace S.p.A. in Milan, Italy.

The Armani Group is one of the leading fashion and luxury goods groups in the world today with 5,000 direct employees and 13 factories. It designs, manufactures, distributes and retails fashion and lifestyle products including apparel, accessories, eyewear, watches, jewelry, home furnishings, and fragrances and cosmetics under a range of brand names: Armani/Prive’, Giorgio Armani, Armani Collezioni, Emporio Armani, Armani Jeans, A/X Armani Exchange, Armani Junior and Baby and Armani Casa.

The Group’s direct retail network currently comprises: 62 Giorgio Armani boutiques, 11 Armani Collezioni stores, 133 Emporio Armani stores, 95 A/X Armani Exchange stores, 18 AJ Armani Jeans stores, 6 Armani Junior stores, 1 Giorgio Armani Accessories store and 20 Armani Casa stores in 39 countries.

Contact: Robert Triefus
Giorgio Armani S.p.A.
Tel: (39) 02723181