Giorgio Armani is in the running to become an Italian “senator for life”.

The fashion designer was nominated for the prestigious honor by fellow Italian trendsetter Santo Versace, chairman of the Versace fashion empire and the older brother of fashion icons Donatella and the late Gianni Versace.

“There is nobody that deserves it more or who better represents our country. He has earnestness, creativity and excellence,” Versace explained in an interview with Women’s Wear Daily last week. “Armani embodies the beauty of Italy, the country the way we would like to see it represented around the world, and where meritocracy is fully applied.”

Donatella – who is Versace’s creative director – is also behind the nomination.

“She said it was a brilliant idea, fantastic and that I should do everything I can to promote it.”

Italy is entitled to five “senators for life” at any one time, alongside the 315 elected senators who also serve in parliament. President Giorgio Napolitano has not yet appointed a senator for life during his tenure and there is one vacant post.