After the success of the V&A's Versace exhibition and The Design Museum's Blahnik show, The Royal Academy is about to unveil a retrospective look at the career of another fashion icon, Mr Giorgio Armani.

Housed in their swanky new exhibition space at 6 Burlington Gardens, the show will feature over 400 garments (of varying shades of beige, but there might even be a few shades of pebble and buff thrown in for good measure).

Seriously, though, the man may veer towards conservative style, but over three decades he has managed to create a multi-million pound business, a clearly identified brand and often some very flattering frocks and jumpers.

For those who fear it may be a bit of a dull affair, if the über A-list of tonight's private opening is anything to go by, there should be ample occasion for stargazing, if not of the stars themselves, then at least of their frocks. Whether Maestro Giorgio's (alleged) beige cat will also be there is as yet unconfirmed.

Giorgio Armani: A Retrospective - Open to the public Oct 18– Feb 15
Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington Gardens, W1
£9 - Advance bookings 0870 8488484

ST