Armani's alternative Oscars

Giorgio Armani had his eyes firmly set on next weekend's Oscars ceremony with his latest collection. His catwalk outing at the start of Milan fashion week paraded a selection of eveningwear that will no doubt be heading straight to Hollywood for the pre-Academy Awards scramble.

The Italian designer was on familiar, glamorous, ground, with intricately pleated and woven gowns, strapless dresses beaded with elaborate rose designs and lots of Duchess satin, including a fuchsia pink number for the finale.

However, the 68-year-old showed he still had the ability to surprise by sending out a quirky collection entitled A Dash Of Eccentricity.

Models clad in Gothic-style black marabou feather "wigs" strutted on the mirrored catwalk in various bizarre outfits, putting Armani's latest fashion philosophy - "self-expression" in banal times - to the test.

Trousers came cropped and flared - or in some cases, two lengths in one, combining culottes and trousers.

There were leopard-print frock coats, jodhpurs, lace-fitted jackets and purple fur coats, as well as the occasional top hat.

The usual A-list were in the front row last night to see his work - among them Sophia Loren, Greta Scacchi, Lady Helen Taylor and Princess Mafalda von Hessen.