Giorgio Armani – the maestro of suits

Giorgio Armani marks a significant milestone this year. The designer, with a rich history of a successful career, has made a profound impact on the fashion industr

How it all began

An Italian who initially studied medicine, Giorgio Armani dropped out of school and started working as a buyer at a Milan department store. Later, he joined designer Nino Cerruti, where he developed designs for the men’s clothing line. In the early 70s, Armani transitioned to freelance work, with clients including Ermenegildo Zegna, Loewe, and Ungaro.

Armani didn’t stop at freelancing for other fashion houses. He began creating men’s clothing under his own brand. In 1973, along with Sergio Galeotti, he opened his first store in Milan. Giorgio’s signature style became the unstructured suit with straight trousers. His suits were softer, without the stiff formality and pretentiousness often seen in men’s fashion. This relaxed construction was known as “unstructured” for its simplified, laid-back design.

photo: Giorgio Armani/Spotlight

In 1976, Armani and Galeotti started conquering the United States by signing a contract with the world-renowned department store Barneys. This was followed by partnerships with other major retailers like Bloomingdale’s and Saks. The brand gained worldwide fame after the release of the film “American Gigolo,” where Richard Gere wore Armani suits. Armani’s cinematic contributions continued with films such as “The Untouchables,” “Gattaca,” “Shaft,” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.” In 2003, Giorgio was honored as the first recipient of the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Award for his “Fashion and cinema contribution.”

Reaping the rewards

In 1981, the brand expanded with the launch of Emporio Armani, Armani Jeans, and the children’s line Armani Junior. Giorgio Armani became the second designer in history (after Christian Dior) to appear on the cover of Time magazine. This was followed by a series of accolades: in 1983, Armani received the Council of Fashion Designers of America award for “Best International Designer.” In 1987, he became the first to receive the Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award for men’s fashion. Giorgio has also been honored with numerous awards, including prestigious Italian honors for promoting the Made in Italy label and the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, as well as the French title of Knight of the Legion of Honor.

photo: Armani Prive/Spotlight

Expanding the horizons

In 2000, Armani celebrated the brand’s 25th anniversary with a retrospective installation at the Guggenheim Museum. Later that year, he expanded the brand further by launching Emporio Armani Caffè, the Japanese cuisine restaurant Nobu, and a nightclub. In 2010, Giorgio Armani opened his first hotel in Dubai, located in the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa. Today, Armani restaurants can be found in over 20 countries, from Milan to Tokyo, and Munich to Doha. The Paris Armani restaurant has even been awarded a Michelin star. Additionally, the company produces cosmetics (Armani/Beauty), perfumes, interior items (Armani/Casa), sweets (Armani/Dolci), floristry (Armani/Fiori), the Milan exhibition space (Armani/Silos), the couture line Armani Privé, and the charitable organization Armani/Values. Thus, Giorgio Armani has become not just a brand but a lifestyle.

Currently, Giorgio Armani remains dedicated to his creation. As the oldest designer in the industry, he continues to appear on runways after his shows, receiving well-deserved ovations.

Photo: Armani Prive/Spotlight