Rumors of Italian Fashion designer Stefano Pilati moving to Armani have been doing the rounds for over a year now. Despite several statements from the designer himself denying all such tales, the rumors just refuse to die down. This time, it's Fashion News Daily staffer and freelance reporter Jim Shi whose added fuel to the fire.

Late Monday night the reported tweeted, ""My sources are telling me Stefano Pilati is headed 2 Giorgio Armani w/ the intention to assume full creative reigns when GA retires. #dope."

The Pilati-to-Armani gossip has been the source of many speculation and much heated debates. A year back, when the rumors first sufficed, the Internet was swapped with news that Pilati would be leaving his post at YSL and heading to Armani. Hedi Slimami was rumored to be replacing him. At that time, both fashion houses rushed forward to deny all such rumors. However, earlier this year Pilati's contract with YSL expired and was not renewed. As rumored, Slimane was signed on in place of Pilati to play top man at the legendary French label.

Giorgio Armani is 77 and has had a long and successful career. It is only but natural that he would be retiring and whether Pilati would be taking his places continues to remain a million dollar question.