Rubbing shoulders with acclaimed Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani proved a hugely exciting aspect of the Rotary Club of Enniskillen’s recent Mediterranean travels - certainly for two delighted wives in the party!

Rotary President Roy Crawford led a party of 23, including fellow Rotarians on their traditional members’ trip, which this year was a recent week-long cruise.

Having stopped off on a visit to picturesque Portofino, Italy, it was there that Carole Crawford (Roy’s wife) and Ros McMullen (wife of Secretary Roy) had a chance encounter with the world-famous figure, a prestigious name in the fashion industry.

“Mr. Armani had just disembarked his magnificent ocean cruiser the 65 metre ‘Main’ to stretch his sea legs with a relaxing stroll along the beautiful seafront,” said Roy, adding: “Courteously greeting the ladies he wished them every success in Rotary fundraising efforts of which he was very aware.” Earlier, Roy had a taken a photograph of the superyacht, ‘Main’, set against the stunning backdrop of Portofino harbour and admits that he had not realised it was Mr. Armani’s vessel.

There was a lot of media interest in Mr. Armani, explained Roy, who learned that the designer was in Portofino launching a new Armani watch.

A keen photographer, the Rotary President had his camera with him and he was able to put it to good use when Carole and Ros availed of the opportunity to meet the fashion designer, who had gone to an outside open area where he sat down in the sunshine. The Rotarians’ wives told him that they were from Northern Ireland and on a Rotary trip.

Such was the interest in Armani that Roy pointed out that “people were coming over and shaking hands”. Carole and Ros walked down and asked him if he would mind if they had their photo taken with him - and thanks to Roy their delightful moment was captured for posterity.