As legendary designer Giorgio Armani turns 90, we take a look at the visionary’s legacy and achievements.
Courtesy of Roger Hutchings
Growing up, I have vivid memories of my mother dressed in elegant suits and jackets that accentuated her figure effortlessly. The designer: Giorgio Armani. It was in fact, one of the few designer names that stuck with me as I became increasingly interested in fashion, thanks in part, to my parent’s obsession with the brand. This month, Giorgio Armani turns 90 and his company will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. As one of the biggest names in the industry that has redefined the world of fashion, the brand would not have come to fruition had Armani decided to maintain his pursuit in the medical field.
Born on the 11th of July 1934, Armani grew up in the city of Piacenza before moving to Milan with his family in 1949. At university, Armani enrolled in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Milan but discontinued his studies after three years to join the army. It was then that he decided to pursue a different career path and in 1957, he secured a position as a buyer for Milan’s prominent department store, La Rinascente. Whilst working at the department store, he caught the eye of fashion designer Nino Cerruti and worked with Cerruti for several years as a designer. At Cerruti, Armani honed his craft and expanded his understanding of textile production. His talent as a budding designer was recognised and in the following years, Armani worked as a freelance designer at several companies. It wasn’t until 1975, following the suggestion from his partner, Sergio Galeotti, that he would go on to create his very own brand—they had sold their Volkswagen to fund the company—and thus, Giorgio Armani S.p.A. was born.
“I removed the stiffness that was inside to give [a traditional men’s jacket] the suppleness of a cardigan and the lightness of a shirt, and I invented the unstructured jacket for both men and women. Now that manner of dressing has become classic, or rather ‘classic Armani.’ To achieve this, the public’s approval has been crucial: I mean a real public, made up of ordinary men and women.”—Giorgio Armani
The launch of his label was an immediate success, producing both men’s and women’s ready-to-wear collections that defined a new look. Under his new brand, menswear saw deconstructed jackets using lightweight materials such as silk and linen that offered a timeless yet pared-back alternative to rigid styles rooted in formality. On the other hand, womenswear saw androgynous cuts for the determined woman with the same sense of ease that framed the silhouette stylishly. Five years later, Armani was catapulted to worldwide stardom. In 1980, Armani designed costumes for Paul Schrader’s American Gigolo starring Richard Gere.
American Gigolo stars Lauren Hutton and Richard Gere with Mr. Armani. Courtesy of Dave Benett/Ryoung
Scenes of Gere dressed in Armani’s languid tailored suits and the success of the movie gave Armani his big break—not only cementing Armani’s connection to Hollywood but also revolutionising menswear style in the ’80s. Armani would go on to dress iconic characters in movies including The Wolf of Wall Street, Inglorious Basterds, The Untouchables and Elysium. The brand also became a permanent fixture at red carpet events as seen on Cate Blanchett, Julia Roberts and Amanda Seyfried to name a few.
George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Mr. Armani at a red carpet event. Courtesy of Stefano Guindani
Mr. Armani is the first recipient of the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style award. Courtesy of Emanuele Scorcelletti
Not long after his exposure to Hollywood, Armani made a bold move and launched Emporio Armani and Armani Jeans in 1981 as well as his first Emporio Armani store in Milan. His meteoric rise also earned him a cover on TIME magazine in 1982 and despite his partner’s death in 1985, Armani continued to flourish, expanding into fragrance, cosmetics, eyewear, Haute Couture and furnishings for the home amongst others.
Mr. Armani on the cover of TIME magazine. Courtesy of Bob Krieger
Through his singular vision, Armani grew the brand into an Italian powerhouse, establishing himself as a decorated designer with a long list of accomplishments and accolades. These include the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit by the President of the Italian Republic, the French Légion d’Honneur and several honorary academic titles from renowned universities such as the Royal College of Arts, Accademia di Brera and Central Saint Martins. Achievements and honours aside, Armani is also a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and has made numerous contributions to society and the environment through initiatives and collaborations such as the Emporio Armani (Product) Red collection and the Emporio Armani Green project.
Courtesy of Stefano Guindani
There’s no denying Armani’s impressive list of achievements and the indelible impact that the designer has worldwide. Till this day, Armani’s personal touch can still be seen and felt at his runway shows—he puts the finishing touches on the models before they step onto the runway—and as the brand approaches another milestone next year (the brand will turn 50), we can’t wait to see what’s in store for his empire.
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All images courtesy of Giorgio Armani.
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