Sophie Price

Sarkozy will confer the honor on Amani this summer in Paris when the Italian designer will be in town to stage the latest collection from his haute couture line, Armani Prive, on Monday, June 30. A spokesman for Armani declined any comment, but well informed sources told FWD that Sarkozy has invited Armani to the presidential residence in the Elysees Palace to receive his recognition. Most designers and actors, such as Valentino, Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz or thespian Jack Nicholson, are traditionally presented their ribboned Legion of Honor at a ceremony in the grand and gilded salon of the Ministry of Culture on rue de Valois, the heart of the Palais Royal. His new wife, Italian model and singer, the former Carla Bruni Tedeschi, will join the hyper energetic president at the ceremony. Speculation will be rife about what Madame Sarkozy will wear to the ceremony. On Sarkozy’s much-publicized state visit to the UK in March, Carla’s wardrobe was Christian Dior.