David Beckham is a man who likes to look good and take care of himself. When his hot new Armani underwear ad (no, go ahead, look at it again, I’ll wait) earned him the title of “gay icon” he was proud of it.

“I’m very honored to have the tag of gay icon… Maybe it’s things like (the fact) I like to look after myself, I like to look smart and presentable most of the time.”

“I’m very organized and controlled and need to go to bed at night knowing what I’m going to wear the next morning.”

Giorgio Armani was seen in an itty bitty Speedo. This is not necessarily a high fashion moment.

Beyonce attended the launch of Emporio Armani’s Diamonds in Milan. That was to be expected since Beyonce is the spokesperson for the fragrance.

Ads are finally out for the Emporio Armani Underwear featuring a not-too-clothed David Beckham. You know, I’ve never been one way or the other about him, but holy crap he looks smokin’ hot. Rowr!

Armani said:

“David is truly a modern day icon in that his fame extends well beyond the realm of soccer. He represents a notion of modern masculinity: as a sports hero, husband and father. He is also a man with a great sense of style.”

And meanwhile, Beckham said:

“I first met Mr. Armani quite a few years ago while I was working with the England team when he designed our World Cup suit. I’ve been a big fan of his style for a long time and, through the years, my wife and I have become friends with him, so I’m happy to be working with him now.”

Here’s hoping he keeps posing for underwear ads for a long time into the future!

Julia Roberts and Armani have teamed up for a good cause - to design a bracelet for World AIDS Day.

The bracelet, which will be available in leather red or brown, goes on sale just in time for World AIDS Day, on December 1st, exclusively at emporioarmani.com as part of the (Product) RED collection. The bracelet features a ‘tree of life’ and the words “Revolution-Evolution-Devotion.” The bracelets also feature the initials “JR” stamped on the inside.  They will also be available exclusively at Emporio Armani stores just in time for Christmas, with a jewelry store release on February 1st.

This marks the first time Armani has collaborated with another name on a design. The bracelets will retail for $175.00 to $195.00.

(Product) RED is the organization which was started by Bono and Bobby Shriver to combat AIDS and supply medicine to those in need in African nations. 

David Beckham has signed a three year deal to be the new bod for Giorgio Armani underwear.  The contract gives Beckham an annual fee plus royalties and cements his status as the world’s best paid footballer. 

Beckham will front the underwear campaign in a series of billboard and fashion magazine advertisements beginning in 2008.  Last Friday, he was shooting the campaign in Los Angeles.  

This is the second go around for the Beckham-Armani team -  in 2002 the Italian designer created uniforms for the England team’s wardrobe.  The new deal is Beckham’s first formal clothing contract. The campaign for the “Emporio SS08″ underwear is thought to have been sanctioned by Giorgio Armani himself, especially since Armani has become friends with Beckham and his wife, Victoria, after the couple moved to California. 

A source close to the deal said:

“The personal relationship was definitely instrumental in this deal. David and Giorgio get on very well so it was very much Giorgio’s personal choice. But Armani also see this as a sound business decision - few individuals have a truly global reach that can match David’s.”

Giorgio Armani paid a visit to Australia for the first time on November 9th, where he attended the Sydney Theatre Company’s dinner, which was held in his honor and hosted by artistic director Robyn Nevin and incoming artistic directors Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton.

His Australian trip follows a visit to Japan, where he opened a new 65,000 square-foot, 12 story store in Tokyo.  The store is home to not only his Black Label collection, but also Emporio Armani, Armani Casa, a new Armani Spa, and an Armani Restaurant. Friend Cate Blanchett flew in from Sydney for the opening, while thousands of Tokyo fashionistas watched as the pair arrived to attend the grand opening ceremonies. 

photo courtesy: celebutopia