Giorgio Armani celebrates 40th anniversary with handbag and book launch

To mark the brand's 40 years of fashion this year, the designer has not one, but two exclusive surprises in store for his most loyal followers.

Next month, Giorgio Armani will unveil the special 40th anniversary edition Le Sac 11 bag, during Milan and Paris Fashion Week.

Shoppers in Milan will be able to snap up the collector's item at the Antonia boutique from March 1.

Armani fans in Paris will be able to purchase the exclusively designed top-handle limited editions, four days later at luxury concept store L'Eclaireur.

Customers will be spoilt for choice as the bag comes in various colors and finishes (including crocodile skin, tanned leather, and calfskin), and in three sizes: small, medium and large. 

The design features precious metal fittings and covered rivets at the handles' closure.

 Le Sac 11 was named after the brand's lucky number 11. Giorgio Armani was born on July11, 1934, and the double-digit is also the street number of the Armani headquarters in Milan.

The handbag will retail in a selection of Giorgio Armani boutiques starting from April.

In September, Italy's award-winning fashion designer will release his memoirs.

The lavish book, published by Rizzoli, focuses upon the key creations and important milestones in the history of the celebrated style-maker and his eponymous fashion house.

With personal texts penned by the designer himself, the book contains biographical details interwoven with the story of his fashion empire.

Armani's memoirs include photography by a virtual who's who of leading international fashion photographers, such as Steven Meisel, David Sims, Craig McDean, Herb Ritts, Mario Testino, Deborah Turbeville, Aldo Fallai, and Annie Leibovitz, and features numerous fashion icons.