Armani hotels on the way

The legendary fashion designer Giorgio Armani has reportedly signed a deal with a Dubai property developer to build a chain of luxury hotels. The BBC News website reports that Emaar Properties, the largest land development firm in the Middle East, signed the deal on Sunday and is planning to build four resorts and 10 hotels over the next seven years. The properties will be in London, Milan, Dubai, Paris, New York and Tokyo, with Armani in charge of the design and style aspects of the luxury chain. The BBC suggests that the deal will be a success for both parties; Armani will benefit by selling his luxury goods within the hotels and gains extra exposure, while Emaar “makes sure it is associated with one of the surest brands in the luxury world”. The first hotel in the chain, in Dubai, will reportedly feature 250 suites and 150 apartments for long-term letting. Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad