Giorgio Armani

Who is Giorgio Armani?

Giorgio Armani is a world-renowned fashion designer known for his timeless and sophisticated designs. He has built an expansive fashion empire that includes not only clothing but also restaurants and hotels. Armani gained significant recognition in the U.S. during the 1980s when his signature men’s “power suits” were featured prominently in the television series Miami Vice and the film American Gigolo, starring Richard Gere.

Early Career and Clothing Line

After completing his military service, Armani left university to work at La Rinascente, a prestigious department store in Milan. He later joined Nino Cerruti as a designer. With the encouragement of his friend and future business partner, Sergio Galeotti, Armani began freelancing for other fashion companies. In 1975, Armani and Galeotti co-founded Giorgio Armani S.p.A., launching a men’s clothing line that debuted that same year. A women’s collection followed soon after, introducing a revolutionary approach to fashion with its natural fit and muted color palette. Armani aimed to strip away the excess in fashion, favoring simplicity and neutral tones. “My vision was clear: I believed in getting rid of the artifice of clothing,” Armani said in an interview with WWD.

Signature Style and Hollywood Influence

Although Armani’s designs were initially popular in Europe, his breakthrough in the U.S. came in 1980 when his clothes were featured in American Gigolo. This exposure led to further success, including providing the wardrobe for Miami Vice. Armani quickly became the designer of choice for Hollywood stars, dressing celebrities like Michelle Pfeiffer, Jodie Foster, and John Travolta. During the 1980s, Armani’s “power suits” became a symbol of success among business professionals, further boosting the brand’s popularity. Despite the tragic loss of Galeotti in 1985, Armani proved his resilience by continuing to grow the brand, expanding with new stores in Milan.

Expanding the Armani Empire

Armani’s business grew beyond fashion with the opening of his first restaurant in 1989. He also acquired clothing manufacturer Simint S.p.A. and other business ventures. Despite legal troubles in the 1990s, including a suspended sentence for bribing tax officials, Armani’s business thrived. By the end of the decade, his company had over 200 stores worldwide and annual sales reaching $2 billion. His brand expanded into home goods and publishing, and in 2005, Armani launched his first haute couture line. Today, Armani’s creations are sold in major department stores globally, and he operates 500 exclusive retail outlets. In 2010, he opened his first hotel in Dubai, with another planned for Milan.

Early Life and Personal Background

Giorgio Armani was born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, Italy. Growing up during World War II, Armani and his siblings faced significant hardships. He sought refuge in Milan’s cinemas, where he developed a fascination with Hollywood’s glamorous stars. This early exposure to the idealized beauty of cinema shaped his aesthetic vision. Initially interested in anatomy, Armani spent two years in medical school before turning to fashion during his military service. His first foray into the industry began with a job at a Milan department store, where he assisted with photography and window design.

Personal Life and Legacy

Despite his global success, Armani remains humble about his achievements. “I like the idea of having built this beautiful empire, but I still like to think of myself as the stable boy,” he remarked to WWD. Several family members, including his sister Rosanna and two nieces, Silvana and Roberta, play key roles in the company. With a career spanning more than three decades, Armani is often compared to fashion icons like Coco Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent. He is considered one of the most influential figures in fashion and continues to be a leading force in Milan’s fashion scene. As a journalist from The New York Times once noted, Armani exudes an “almost presidential” presence, embodying wisdom and serenity in his role as a fashion leader.