MILAN (Reuters Life!) - Giorgio Armani will design his first villas for a $1.85 billion gated community development in Egypt that is just two hours' drive from Cairo, the Italian fashion designer said on Wednesday.

Emaar Properties is building the 9.9 billion Egyptian pounds ($1.8 billion) gated community at Sidi Abdel Rahman Bay, on 1,544 acres of what Armani described in a statement as "the best stretch of beach on the north coast" of Egypt.

The villas will be up to 500 square meters in size and with up to four bedrooms, each with its own pool.

Armani, best known for his classic, flowing clothing lines and penchant for black, said the villa designs would be "taking the 'Live with Armani' philosophy to Egypt."

Armani, along with several other designers such as fellow Italian Versace, is branching out of clothing into areas such as interior design and home furnishings as they attempt to maximize the value of their brands across continents and class.

The villas' architecture will be "based on the functionality and aesthetics of volume, light and surface."

All the villas will feature automated security systems, temperature and drapery control, lighting and air-conditioning.

Armani said he used "elements that capture the serenity and calm of beach-front living" in the designs.

The 6.5 million square meter gated community includes a beach resort, marina, golf course and hotels.

Armani has already designed a hotel in Emaar's Burj Dubai development, including guest rooms, restaurant and spa as well as luxury apartments.

(Reporting by Jo Winterbottom; editing by Patricia Reaney)