Giorgio Armani is said to be the last great fashion emperor. He is an icon of the Italian clothing industry that has always dictated trends followed by the whole world. Although today Giorgio Armani is 86 years old, he is still at the forefront of the business he created in the 70s. Who is the designer that everyone has heard of, also from outside the world of fashion?

Giorgio Armani: the birth of fame

At the end of last year, Giorgio Armani was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in London. There is no doubt that he is the man who had vast influence on both Italian and global fashion. He was born in Piacenza, Italy in a family devoid of any traditions in the clothing sector. Because of the difficult financial situation in the family, he planned to become a medical doctor, yet with time he discovered an artistic knack in himself and engaged in photography.

The Armani family’s situation was not enviable. After World War II Giorgio’s father went to prison and little Giorgio had to grow up and became a head of the family. This experience gave him strength and the will to fight so he decided to join the army. After his service, the future designer applied for a job in one of the department stores in Milan. He got the job. His couture flair was inevitably noticed by the employer. Giorgio was recommended as the designer in Nino Cerruti atelier. That is how the emperor of the Italian fashion secured his spot in the industry that would change his life forever.

First steps in own business

Armani’s situation was developing dynamically, but Giorgio remained in Cerruti studio for several years to thrive. Here he also met his long-time partner, Sergio Galeotti. Sergio persuaded the rising fashion star to open his own business. In the mid 70s Giorgio was ready and opened his maiden eponymous store. He immediately started working on first male collection that was shown to the world in 1976.

No one will be surprised that the collection was dominated by suits, but cut and masculine frame significantly differed from the mainstream Italian menswear. Armani used a strong dose of laid-back nonchalance to the attire. Suits had a perfect fit so everybody wanted to have them in a closet. Trousers were loose, shirts lacked formal fastening at the collar, while jackets allowed a room to breath. The new male silhouette introduced by Armani since its premiere has revolutionized fashion of that time. Womenswear had also caused a tumult but the global change in women’s fashion had yet to come.

The 80s and a great breakthrough in the Giorgio Armani fashion house

The first collection came with a great applause for the designer and allowed for further business growth. Giorgio Armani quickly noticed that it was about time to expand the brand's range and began to design underwear and accessories, which are brand’s best-sellers until today.
The 1980s mark brand’s greatest prosperity. Giorgio was over 40 at that time, but the new reality sated with luxury and success was just in front of him. The icing on this tasty cake was the collaboration in the American gigolo movie set, starring Richard Gere. Suits designed by Armani exalted his brand all over the world and finally sealed his status of one of the world’s greatest designers. The cut and shape of Armani garments used in this movie production is now considered as a primary example of the fashion that dominated the 1980s.

Emporio Armani - a line that made the brand famous

In the early 1980s, Giorgio Armani signed a contract with L'Oreal and began to create his perfumes. It was yet another milestone for his empire, as perfumes were the best-selling products already. In 1982, the brand opened its next branches: Armani Jeans, Emporio Armani and Armani Junior. Emporio Armani is by far the most popular even today. A target - a slightly younger client who has no objections to spend his first money on a luxury label. Emporio’s pieces are casual, dedicated for the youth but also designed to be dressed by a mature person as well.
Giorgio Armani’s empire is undeniably one of the largest Italian fashion powerhouses as of today. His success in the 80s did not end along with the end of the decade as the designer has always had the skills to move with the times and adapt the designs to the expectations of his discerning clients. His confection monopolize red carpets, his perfumes are the best-selling products in all drugstores. He is also one of the most often copied designers, which might be a huge challenge for business but also defines the level of his popularity that has gone way beyond Italian borders.

 

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