Armani opens store in virtual world's Second Life

MILAN (Reuters) - Fashion designer Giorgio Armani has opened up shop in virtual world Second Life, with a store modeled on his flagship location in Milan, his company said in a statement on Wednesday.

The silver-haired Armani will send an avatar of himself to the celebrate the opening of the store.

"Finally, I can really be in two places at once," the ever-busy stylist who launched a mobile phone on Monday, said in the statement.

Second Life residents will be able to buy items virtually with Linden Dollars -- the currency of the virtual world -- or they can connect directly from there to his recently-launched online store at www.emporioarmani.com for non-virtual vestments.

Armani, known worldwide for his elegant fashions for women, has already diversified into a range of other sectors, including home furnishings and hotels.

He announced on Sunday a joint venture with Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) for a sleek, black mobile phone and eventually other home electronics, including a liquid crystal display television designed with the South Korean firm.