Armani opens a new store and new minds

It seemed everyone had suited up in Armani for the grand opening of the new Armani store on 5th Avenue in New York City yesterday night. But they weren’t just there to celebrate a fashion pad for the rich and famous, they were there to commend Georgio Armani’s generous donation of $1 million to NYC public schools.

John Mayer and Chace Crawford chatted about their favorite Armani suits while Victoria Beckham showed off her sparkeling Armani dress amongst a sea of other stars in the new store. Other stars that attended the event include Leonardo DiCaprio, Alicia Keys, and Robert DeNiro.

Armani may have spent millions on the new store, but he felt he could throw a few towards education. This extra million would have actually gone to his customary fashion show and celebrity dinner. But the money will now be used to develop an arts education program for schools in the Bronx.

The store, designed by the Italian architect Fuksas, has a futuristic feel with a cream colored staircase that resembles NYC’s famous Guggenheim museum. Mayor Bloomberg called four-floored fashion haven the “Guggenheim Two.”

Mayor Bloomberg spoke at the event and told the crowd that Armani’s donation, which will go in part to fashion programs in New York schools, will ensure New York’s reputation as the “fashion capital of the world" – "and may even help produce the next Armani.”

With the $50 million debate around art education funds in the stimulus plan, this donation from Armani will surely stir some attention. What do you think about funding for arts education? Do you think it is a priority right now? Comment below!