The Italian Job.(Giorgio Armani)

Byline: Amy Keller Laird

Giorgio Armani is famous for elegant tailoring and minimalist designs. He now explains why simplicity is just as important in beauty.

In 1976, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak formed Apple, Nadia Comaneci scored the Olympics' first perfect ten--and Giorgio Armani designed a women's suit that was, and still is, considered revolutionary. Made with menswear fabric, it was soft and fluid, so women could feel confident and smart but still look feminine. Twenty-five years later, in 2001, this same relaxed weightlessness would inspire Armani in his cosmetics line--in particular, a foundation intended to feel like silk.

Now, Armani's devotion to beauty is serious: He recently launched a new foundation; he is working on a new fragrance, lipstick formula, and mascara; and he has agreed to his first magazine interview on the topic of beauty.

"The makeup has to help the face show its best aspect and cover the negative," the designer says.

The day I am scheduled to speak with Armani about that subject, I spend an extra 15 minutes doing my makeup, then try on four different outfits before deciding to play it safe in all black--dress, stilettos, eyeliner--except for a slick of bright fuchsia lip gloss for a little something special.

Later, when Mr. Armani--it's always "Mr." in Armani land--tells me that makeup should enhance the face without showing itself, I silently curse that little something special, then blurt out, "I'm worried now about my bright lip gloss." The 74-year-old, deeply tan, preternaturally fit designer--clad in his uniform of T-shirt, black jacket and pants, and white sneakers--says, "But it looks very good on such a clean background. I'm looking at your very deep eyes, your mysterious look. It is something that is very strong, strong but soft."