Giorgio Armani recovering after hepatitis

MILAN (Reuters) - Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani said on Thursday he had had a case of hepatitis and is now recovering.

The 74-year-old said in a statement he had decided to "calm worries" after a high level of interest concerning his personal well-being in the last few days.

"I have in fact suffered from hepatitis by poisoning, which, certainly is not a rare illness. Nevertheless it is one which requires some time for a complete recovery," Armani said.

The designer, who counts numerous celebrities as his fans, added that he was recovering and that the company had continued to operate "normally with business as usual."

"My commitment both on the creative and management side has never relented," he said.

"Consequently there has been no shift in delegation of my authorities to any one of the executives and everything in the company is proceeding with the usual energy."

Armani is considered the doyen of Italian fashion. His clothes are known for their classically elegant lines and muted colors.

He is due to showcase his menswear collections for the Giorgio Armani and Emporio Armani brands during Milan's fashion week in June.

(Reporting by Marie-Louise Gumuchian; Editing by Steve Addison)