ROME, June 21, 2007 (AFP) - Milan kicks off a hectic five-day run of men's fashion shows for next summer on Saturday, June 23rd under a sombre cloud following the sudden death of leading Italian designer GianFranco Ferre.

Coffin of Gianfranco Ferre is carried out from the St. Magno Church, 19 June 2007 in Legnano Photo : Giuseppe Cacace/AFP

Before the catwalks open for business, a mass is planned at Milan's San Marco Church in memory of 62-year-old Ferre who died here Sunday from a massive brain haemorrhage, the Italian fashion chamber said on Thursday.

It is scheduled to begin at 08.15 GMT on Saturday.

Ferre's menswear collection for spring-summer 2008 will be unveiled on Sunday around noon and will take place as had been planned by the late designer himself who had already organised the show, even down to the music to accompany the models.

The show by the architect-turned-fashion designer, whose career included eight years as artistic director of Christian Dior, is among some of the top names in the world of men's fashion showing here.

Newcomers to the Milan programme of 48 shows include Belgium's Dries van Noten, who has previously shown in Paris, and Italian label Salvatore Ferragamo which has previously chosen Florence to showcase its menswear line.

Missoni, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry and Gianni Versace feature on the line-up of the opening day, while Bottega Veneta, Emporio Armani, Prada, Roberto Cavalli and Alexander McQueen follow on Sunday.

Other labels showing later on the programme include Valentino, Gucci, Fendi and Giorgio Armani.