>> Giorgio Armani, who has historically been vague about his plans for a successor on both the creative and management side of his company, hinted earlier today that he is taking precautionary measures. "I'm already organizing staff who will continue my work. Of course I am not eternal, there comes a time when you must hand it over." In the past, he has talked about both selling the company and a bourse listing — no word on whether either is still being considered.

The 75-year-old designer, who is in Moscow for a succession of Armani promotional events — a cocktail party, a Fall 2009 Emporio Armani fashion show, and a Fall 2009 Giorgio Armani presentation — is coming off the recent announcement that he has eased his workload following a hepatitis scare.  But today he was fit enough to joke with reporters about his appearance: "You see how I am, I don't look bad yet, do I?"