Giorgio Armani has joined the National Chamber of Italian Fashion.

The designer has pledged his support to the association's plans to reinvigorate Milan Fashion Week and their commitment to boosting the prominence of Italian fashion around the world.

Armani previously said he would only accept the Chamber's invitation to become a member under the condition that every Italian brand show their collections in Milan, but decided action needed to be taken immediately.

The 79-year-old icon said in a statement published on WWD: ''While I still believe that all Italian brands should hold their fashion shows in Italy to give due prominence to our country, as an entrepreneur I understand that certain situations, created over the years, need time to be reorganized.

''I appreciate the move made by Ennio Capasa, which constitutes an important first step in this direction. In the hope that other Italian companies follow this example, in the meantime, it seems only right, and indeed necessary, for me to send a further strong signal of commitment and confidence aimed at boosting an upswing in the vitality of Italian fashion and, at the same time, to show a sign of support for the actions undertaken by the other brand members of the National Chamber of Italian Fashion.''

Many Italian brands don't show in their native country, favoring other fashion capitals Paris, London and New York instead. Armani's announcement comes just as Miu Miu - which shows in Paris - announced they would be relocating most of their operations from Italy to the French capital.

Patrizio Bertelli, CEO of Prada, is also joining the new board alongside Diego Della Valle and Gildo Zegna, with Bertelli insisting Prada will continue to show in Milan.