Giorgio Armani has been named special ambassador of Expo Milano 2015.

The 80-year-old fashion designer is set to open the Universal Exhibition in his hometown of Milan on April 30 with a runway show in celebration of his eponymous label's 40th anniversary, reports WWD.

Giorgio Armani has been named special ambassador of Expo Milano 2015 and will open the exhibition with a runway show 

The show will coincide with the opening of his museum-archive, entitled Armani Silos, which will be housed in a former Nestlé factory facing the company's headquarters on the Via Bergognone, and will display a permanent exhibition of the brand's past creations and drawings.

Giorgio has described the museum as his "own Tate Gallery" and plans to hold events to benefit and support young fashion talents in the space.

He said: "It will also be a cultural centre, open to the arts and to those who study fashion - sort of my own Tate Gallery."

Meanwhile, the fashion icon - who is also set to show his collection during Milan Fashion Week in February - recently spoke out against the decision to shorten the event to five days to accommodate guests travelling to Paris Fashion Week.

The Italian fashion house has since confirmed their catwalk show will be on the sixth and final day.

Italian Fashion Chamber president Mario Boselli said: "I want to personally thank Giorgio Armani who gave proof of great sensitivity and generosity towards the Italian fashion system."

Giorgio was extremely vocal in February this year when the Autumn/Winter 2015 schedule meant fashion editors left Milan early, opting to miss his show because he was the only "big name" featuring on the last day.

He said at the time: "There are some who prefer to snub the Giorgio Armani show and go to Paris. When we decided to show on the last day, other big brands were involved. But currently this is an empty day.

"Does this mean protecting the Italian fashion? Where is the camera? I rejoined it but I can always exit again. I can just put in a phone call."

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