On a more glamorous note, Giorgio Armani is continuing the onward march of the world's designers opening flagship stores in London. The latest to open its doors, this Monday, is the first ever sleek, urban Collezioni Giorgio Armani store on Bond Street. This is a shop designed to cater for the business community rather than to fashion luvvies.

If you are an Armani fan, this is the ultimate one-stop shop. Not only can you buy your corporate wardrobe, have the suit altered to fit and couriered to your office (for a small fee) in double-quick time, you can buy a suit for pounds 595 (below right) from the men's Le Collezioni label (formerly White Label), and one for women for pounds 495 by Mani (top right).

The store will also be offering a service where the season's look books will be taken into companies so you can shop while you work.

Collezioni stores will be opening around the world as the year progresses, with Manchester opening by the end of the year and Glasgow planned for 1998.

Also on sale will be accessories and two sportswear ranges: Neve for high-flying skiers and Golf for those all-important business deals on the fairway.

Collezioni Giorgio Armani opens Monday at 43 New Bond Street, London W1; enquiries 0171-491 9888