New York ? Giorgio Armani is one of the influential fashion designers in the world today. His runway styles, mostly sophisticated garments with clean lines, often dictate trends that trickle down to the masses.

Yet, at age 69, Armani also finds himself increasingly in demand as a film wardrober and as creator of red-carpet clothes for Hollywood stars. He makes one-of-a-kind gowns for Julia Roberts and Halle Berry, and throughout this year’s movie “The Italian Job,” star Mark Wahlberg wears an Armani deerskin jacket and Charlize Theron is seen in an Armani brown leather bomber.

This has left Armani at a crossroads: the one at Rodeo Drive and Dayton Way in Beverly Hills, Calif.

The city and the Rodeo Drive Committee, a business group made up of merchants, landowners and hoteliers, has chosen Armani as the first honoree on its new Rodeo Drive Walk of Style. A 14-foot, torso-shaped sculpture created by artist Robert Graham will serve as the anchor of what organizers hope will become yet another destination for shoppers.

A smaller version of the sculpture is being installed nearby with Armani’s name and a quote from the designer.

Other designers will be added to the walk in the future.

“We are thrilled to have Mr. Armani as our first honoree. He is such an amazing designer. He has such a body of work. He is the definition of elegance. He is the culmination of fashion and film,” says Peri Ellen Berne, president of the Rodeo Drive committee. “And, Mr. Armani is very passionate about Hollywood.”

It’s true that Armani has been a player in Hollywood for many years despite being born, raised and based across the Atlantic in Italy. In 1980, Armani created the clothes Richard Gere wore in the fashion-conscious film “American Gigolo.”

It was the first time many Americans were exposed to Armani’s sleek signature style. “In a way it is like inviting millions of people to a fashion show,” Armani says.

Italian stylist Giorgio Armani receives applause after presenting the Emporio Armani men's fashion collection for the Spring/Summer 2003, unveiled in Milan in June. Emporio is Giorgio Armani second line.

“Hollywood may be in America, but the entire world is influenced by the films that come from Hollywood. Film is the most all-pervasive culture medium of the 20th and now 21st century, so what someone wears on screen can be hugely influential for the audience and for the wider audience of people who follow culture,” he adds.

In the eyes and minds of many people, New York is the U.S. fashion capital. Berne argues, though, that Rodeo Drive is both the center of California style — which is heavily influenced by “the sunshine, it’s the beauty of our lifestyle,” she says — and the entire international designer scene.

“The great thing about our three blocks (is) we have the best fashion and the best designers in the world. France, Italy, the U.S., London are all represented,” says Berne, who manages the Rodeo La Perla store, in a telephone interview.

It also doesn’t hurt that on any given day a blockbuster movie is being filmed right outside the doors of Rodeo shops, she adds. “Celebrities shop in all our boutiques, and celebrities help create the direction of fashion.”