In a generous gesture, Santo Versace, Donatella’s brother and himself a Member of Parliament, has nominated fashion designer Giorgio Armani as a senatore a vita (life senator) in a letter to President Napolitano, who has not yet exercised his right to appoint life senators.
In Italy former Presidents of the Republic automatically become life senators and the Constitution allows for five more, to be appointed by the current President - although there is some debate as to how many life senators should be in office at any one time. Life senators are appointed for their outstanding achievements which bring credit to Italy in the artistic, literary, scientific or social fields. There are currently seven life senators in office, including three former Presidents. Life senators have the same powers and rights as elected senators.
“There is no one who deserves it more or who better represents our country”, Versace told Women’s Wear Daily, going on to say that the designer “embodies the beauty of Italy, the country the way we would like to see it represented around the world, and where meritocracy is fully applied.”
I can’t argue with that and in addition, the man has taste, having replaced David Beckham with Cristiano Ronaldo as the spokesmodel for Emporio Armani Men’s Underwear. But there are two things I want to know: if you’re appointed, Giorgio, which gorgeous suit are you going to wear? And, in the best democratic tradition, are you going to tell us where you got your teeth whitened?
