Giorgio Armani airs retirement plans

The Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani plans to retire in the next two to three years, he has told the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

"I can still give myself two or three years at the helm of the company. No more than that," the 90-year-old designer said in the interview, published on Sunday.

Armani had not previously commented on the future of his successful brand, which has been running for almost 50 years, or his possible successor.

Now, he said, he dreams of a future in which he no longer has to make the decisions. "I don't sleep at night. I no longer know the deep, peaceful sleep of the past. Now I dream at night, and in my dreams I build my future."

When asked whether his current right-hand man, Leo Dell'Orco, could take over, Armani responded vaguely that he had already built a clear structure that those who came in after him should follow.

Armani also told the Italian newspaper that he had recently received "a few more persistent" approaches from potential external investors. "But at the moment I see no opportunities," he said.

The fashion industry has been dominated by large luxury conglomerates for some time. Armani has always strictly refused takeover bids, citing his valued independence.

As for his personal plans, Armani said he sees himself in one of his houses, cared for by people who are close and familiar to him.