Italian style met Portuguese talent from a very Spanish soccer club on Thursday, when footie ace Luis Figo joined Giorgio Armani for his menswear show in Milan.
Portugal's most revered international, who also plays centre-forward for Real Madrid, was joining his Italian fellow footballers Alex Del Piero, Christian Vieri and Fabio Cannavaro for a look at the clothes they will all, no doubt, be sporting off-the-pitch this year. The Ukraine's Andriy Shevchenko, who co-owns Giorgio's boutique in Kiev, was also in attendance for the show which marked the end of Milan Menswear Week.
The athletes, who have a combined transfer value of over £100 million, gave particularly enthusiastic applause to the designer's heavy sheepskin coats. Luis, who is tipped to be Manchester United's next signing, will be in need of something warm if he joins soccer's other prince of style, David Beckham, at Old Trafford.
Soft black lines and easy elegance were the hallmark of the collection, as the macho, structured jackets of last year were replaced by light cardigan jackets and tailored track pants in steel grey and violet blue.
It seemed to be a reflection of Men's Fashion Week in general, as shaven heads were replaced by flowing locks and understated sophistication took the place of the aggressive styles of previous years.