Giorgio Armani, the Italian fashion designer, is known for selecting the world's most attractive men to promote his internationally celebrated brand.

British soccer star David Beckham has modeled Armani underwear lines. Brazilian soccer player Kaka has posed for Armani Jeans. American actor Josh Hartnett can be seen smiling in magazine ads for Armani's fragrance, Diamonds for Men.

Now the designer has announced the new face of Emporio Armani's 2008 autumn and winter marketing campaign: Taiwanese-Japanese actor Takeshi Kaneshir.

This marks the first time an Asian model has fronted a campaign for the Italian label.

"I am so happy that Kaneshiro joins the EA 2008 fall/winter campaign," says the designer. "He has an inborn attractiveness and looks so charming on and off the screen. His personality as well as good-looks perfectly match EA style, and that's why he is the very best man for EA collection."

Armani adds that Takeshi Kaneshir's international appeal will be an asset for the campaign.

"He is the true idol in the Asian movie and fashion industry and also enjoys popularity in the Western countries."

For his part, the model says he is thrilled to be associated with the upscale Armani brand. "Armani is always the label I love," he says. "I admire Armani's achievement in the fashion industry - as well as his support for the movie industry."

The two men first met in 2006 when Armani was hired as a wardrobe consultant on a film in which the actor starred, Forlorn City.

"As an actor, I feel so pleasant to work with Armani, and it's my great pleasure to join the campaign for its new collection," says the actor.

The contract is reportedly worth 7.5 million yuan.

Kaneshiro's faced has recently graced other international marketing campaigns, including promotions for the Korean car Elantra and the French cosmetic brand Biotherm HOMM.

His first prominent modeling contract was with another Italian fashion label, Prada, which featured the actor in a marketing campaign a decade ago.

His latest acting credits include The House of Flying Daggers, directed by Zhang Yimou, and Red Cliff (Chibi), directed by John Woo.

The designer says he plans to open 13 new Armani boutique stores in China by the end of 2008.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/life/2008-07/...t_6827838_2.htm

Perfect choice! Takashi is so handsome and sauve, he embodies Armani like no one else!

I have to say that Armani has great taste when it comes to picking out designs and his choice of models. Look at the Beckam billboards, how hot were they?. Takeshi is the perfect choice because in Asian he's the ultimate idol. He's so goodlooking and he's a great actor. His legions of fans will be so happy, now they can spend hours oggling the gorgeous heart throb, yay!

a very smart choice, Takashi is loved world wide which i'm sure will help to promote armani products. its also good to see that asian stars will be known world wide

wow... great choice!! takashi is definately the guy for armani's fashion!!! )

but i dun like this outlook in this photo ... +++ is old jo not young like last time

Nice choice of model to promote his products. I'm sure Takeshi fans would be delighted to see him on billboards

Right choice Mr.Armani!
Takeshi is gooooooooooooooorgeus and classy!

good choice, I always like takeshi and thought he was very handsome...and now he will be the new face of armani...congrats !!

he's really one of the best choices, if not the best.
he's so charming, good-looking and intelligent and can carry himself very well.
looking forward to his campaign.

Takeshi is definitely the right choice! He got the type of look that attracts not only to Asian but Western as well.

Nice! Takeshi Kaneshiro is a good representative for hunks in Asian entertainment and definitely embodies class and handsome looks. Armani has good taste and definitely made a great choice.

This post has been edited by monkeysgonewild000: Jul 12 2008 9 16 AM

great choice, taskeshi is the perfect candidate for this! he looks amazing in whatever he wears, and it must be awesome for him to star in an international campaign

takeshi!!! a great choice!!
he is hot and awesome!!!

armani made such a right choice!
takeshi kaneshiro is perfect for this!

Perfect choice,indeed! I wonder who is he dating? How come I dont hear or read anything about his private life? Talk about being good at keeping his privacy. I salute him!

This post has been edited by lindsay: Jul 11 2008 2 52 PM

well, it was a indeed good choice for Armani campaign. Takeshi not only have the look but the whole package.

kaneshiro - finally back in action and looking good as well - nice that emporio got a great chocie - takeshi is one of the most important icon for asia... now we will have more nice pics of takashi

Great news! ^.^ Aahhh, they picked the perfect guy for Armani ever--- Takeshi! Takeshi is qutie the hottie, a the sexy and mature man just like for their brand!