Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani is given a legion of honour by the
French president. 

PARIS, FRANCE  (JULY 3, 2008)  TF1-
 Italian designer Giorgio Armani, who had shown his haute couture
Armani Privé collection on the first day of fashion week, was awarded on of
France's highest accolades, the legion of honour.
    The French President Nicolas Sarkozy spoke of Armani's success and his
talent for bringing fashion to new audiences. He compared his ability to
reinvigorate fashion to Christian Dior, who revolutionised the female wardrobe
post-war with his "New Look".
    "You are one of his (Christian Dior) successors. Your collections
are known for bringing out the best in women, and just like Christian Dior you
knew how to take fashion out of its traditional context." 
    Italian actress Claudia Cardinale was also given the legion of honour.
Singer Tina Turner was also present.