Meet Armani’s New Protégées

Girogio Armani has taken another emerging Italian label under his wing, choosing Au Jour Le Jour as the next brand to show in its Teatro catwalk space during Milan Fashion Week later this month.

Its French name might not make it sound very Italian, but Au Jour Le Jour creates all its collections in Italy. Founded in 2010 by Mirko Fontana and Diego Marquez, its aesthetic is a fusion of Italian quality and sophistication teamed with a modern, colourful edge. Think stonewash denim decorated with embroidered badges, as well as bomber jackets, shirts and dresses covered with playful, cartoon-style prints. Silhouettes range from fitted - including pencil skirts and ribbed jumpers - to voluminous, with full-skirted PVC dresses and mannish wool coats.

Au Jour Le Jour

"We are excited about the great opportunity that Giorgio Armani has given us," duo Fontana and Marquez said in a statement. "He arrived at an extremely significant time for our project, which we continue to work on with passion, determination and above all with the desire to create new styles. For emerging - and more importantly independent - designers, being sponsored by such an influential name not only represents a unique chance in terms of visibility but also serves as an incentive to do better, to show just how precious the attention that has been given to us really is."

Armani announced he was opening his catwalk home to aspiring Italian designers in June last year, in a bid to encourage and nurture the country's emerging fashion talents. His first protégée, Stella Jean - known for her vibrant ethinic-inspired creations - became one of the industry's most-talked about names, after showing in the Armani Teatro in September 2013, with pieces selling out within a week of hitting stores.