Brioni outfitted James Bond in the latest 007 film, "The World is Not Enough". Years ago, Armani seduced cinema audiences with Richard Gere's "American Gigolo" wardrobe, and more recently clothed Sean Connery in "Entrapment". Missoni created Jack Nicholson's stunningly rumpled look in "As Good as it Gets", as well as the clothing worn by both Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman in "Practical Magic".

Nino Cerruti set new standards, dressing Michael Douglas in "Basic Instinct", Richard Gere in "Pretty Woman" and Tom Hanks in "Philadelphia". Ermenegildo Zegna was responsible for Will Smith and Gene Hackman's diverse looks in "Enemy of the State", Tom Hanks in "You've got Mail" and Al Pacino's smoothly laid-back Satan in "The Devil's Advocate".

A huge number of directors and film stars are increasingly faithful to Made in Italy fashion. The most recent Oscar celebrations saw James Cameron, Al Pacino, Steven Spielberg and Mel Gibson all decked-out in Valentino, while George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino both wore Corneliani. Versace is a long-time favorite of Sylvester Stallone, Mickey Rourke, Antonio Banderas and Don Johnson (who previously popularized Armani on his TV series, "Miami Vice").

That Italian-made suits are coveted, renowned and adored is no accident! Made in Italy styling is an established trend-setter and Hollywood has not been slow to pick up on film fashion's marketing potential. Indeed the industry has worked hand-in-hand with big-name designers for years. Relations became more intimate in the 1960's when studios dropped in-house wardrobe designers like Edith Head. The increased flow of creativity provided inspiration for designers like Armani. His successful "Untouchables" designs followed the "Call Me" scene in "American Gigolo", which established Armani's credentials once and for all, as Richard Gere sorts through his expensive, oh-so-tasteful wardrobe!

Yet, for all the shifts in time and trends, it could be Hollywood will never abandon the ideal of one abiding, nearly intangible, look: Marcello Mastroianni in "La Dolce Vita", dressed in dark jacket and tie with a white shirt -- an essential and eternal metaphor for all that's cool in a man....