Style Check: Armani initiative gives young designers a chance to shine

Christian Pellizzari is a name we'll be hearing much more of in the fashion world. The young designer, who launched his label in 2011, is Giorgio Armani's newest pick of design talent and will host a show at the prestigious Armani Teatro later this month.

Armani is sponsoring Pellizzari's debut at Milan's men's fashion week as part of an initiative he launched to support young creatives from his country. It is now in its fifth season.

"Offering young and promising designers a real opportunity for visibility is something that I'm passionate about," says Armani. "I like to discover individual visions and regain the energy that is the mainspring of success. The designer I chose this season is Christian Pellizzari, to whom I wish a bright future."

Armani has hosted the likes of Stella Jean and Andrea Pompilio, who have both gone on to do well. Earlier this year at women's fashion week in Milan, designers Mirko Fontana and Diego Marquez of Italian label Au Jour Le Jour came under his wing.

For up-and-coming labels it's a fabulous opportunity for exposure. Giorgio Armani is still an institution and remains Italy's reigning emperor of fashion, at times much to the annoyance of other big designers in the country. And although his ready-to-wear styles might not be everyone's cup of tea today, his house is incredibly influential.

In a market dominated by big names such as Armani, Fendi, Prada and Gucci, the Italian fashion industry has suffered because of a lack of institutional support for its emerging talent. The Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana is trying to address the problem after seeing London and New York - two fashion capitals that do much more to promote their emerging talent - increasingly capture the attention of consumers and industry watchers.