Milan – The Armani Group announced the opening of its first Giorgio Armani boutique in Cannes, during the Cannes Film Festival, and its new Armani/Caffè concept. Located at 42, La Croisette, the new space covers approximately 600 square metres.

The Giorgio Armani boutique occupies 350 square metres and is conceived as a fluid space that is given a dynamic appearance by the use of different levels, interconnected by staircases. Connected to the boutique, but conceived as a totally independent space, is the first Armani/Caffè. Covering a total of 180 square meters, this is a café conceived in the style of Giorgio Armani, and is therefore very different to the established Emporio Armani Caffè concept.

The boutique offers the complete Giorgio Armani lifestyle collection for men and women, including formal and casual wear, leather accessories, eyewear, fragrances and jewellery.

Materials used throughout include silk georgette-style greige-coloured stone for the floors, and marmorino plaster for the walls, finished in a silver colour to match the ceilings. The tables are in dark painted teak with black glass tops and there are bamboo details in mirror-effect steel that has been finished with a satin texture to suggest the ribbing of natural bamboo. The accessories area that dominates the entrance is characterised by transparent shelves that create the impression that the goods displayed are floating on thin air.

The Armani/Caffè includes a large terrace and is able to accommodate up to 70 guests. The predominant material used throughout the interior and exterior spaces is natural teak, and there is a curved teak-topped serving counter that serves as a focus inside. Behind this is an LED-backlit unit composed of cubes that are used to display bottles. The unit incorporates stratified glass and fabric. The walls are coated in leatherette, as is the front of the serving counter. All chairs are by Armani/Casa and feature customized fabrics.