Giorgio Armani At 90: A Lifetime Of Fashion And Philanthropy

Giorgio Armani is a name synonymous with luxury and style. His renowned fashion empire includes a wide range of offerings, from clothing and accessories to beauty products, interior design, real estate, and even upscale hotels.

In 1982, Armani solidified his status as a fashion powerhouse when he graced the cover of Time Magazine. His artistic prowess was further acknowledged in 2023 when he was honored with the prestigious Murano Glass Golden Lion by the mayor of Venice for his outstanding creative contributions.

Even at the age of 90, Giorgio Armani continues to leave his mark on the fashion world with his timeless designs. His mantra, “elegance doesn’t mean being noticed, it means being remembered,” has been a driving force behind his illustrious career, inspiring his creative vision and setting him apart as a true fashion icon.

Born in 1934 in the quaint town of Piacenza, nestled in northern Italy, Armani’s childhood was shaped by the tumultuous times of World War II. Initially inspired to pursue a career in medicine, he soon discovered a tendency to faint while studying in medical school, causing him to lose interest and ultimately abandon the program. It was during his time working in the purchasing department of Milan’s renowned La Rinascente department store that he found a new passion for fashion, particularly in the art of creating captivating window displays, marking the beginning of his journey into the world of style and design.

At the age of 27, Armani took on the role of assistant to the esteemed Italian fashion icon, Nino Cerruti, where he honed his skills and eventually started designing for the Cerruti brand. It wasn’t until he reached the age of 40 that he mustered the courage to establish his own eponymous label, thanks to the unwavering support and encouragement of his partner, Sergio Galeotti. Galeotti’s belief in Armani’s talent led him to make a significant sacrifice by selling his car to kickstart his fashion dream. Tragically, Galeotti passed away from AIDS in 1985, a decade after the inception of the Armani brand.

Armani is often credited with initiating the trend of bomber jackets in contemporary fashion, as he crafted the brand’s inaugural leather jacket in 1970. His innovative designs extended beyond outerwear, as he revolutionized women’s fashion by introducing elements like straight shoulder lines, broad lapels, and relaxed trouser silhouettes typically found in men’s formal suits. Notably, he also introduced a female rendition of the label’s iconic suit jacket. This move held significant relevance for women advocating for equality in the workplace during that era, marking a pivotal moment in fashion history.

In the past, the red carpet was not saturated with a multitude of designer brands as celebrities often wore outfits styled by film studios. However, Armani played a pivotal role in altering this practice. In 1978, when Diane Keaton received the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in “Annie Hall” (1977), she graced the stage in a chic beige suit jacket designed by Giorgio Armani. This iconic moment sparked a trend where more stars began collaborating with fashion houses for their red carpet appearances. Armani’s influence extended beyond awards ceremonies, as he also curated Richard Gere’s wardrobe for “American Gigolo” (1980), leading to a surge in demand for his label after the film’s release.

Giorgio Armani’s influence in Italy is far-reaching, with the brand’s designs seen everywhere. From creating uniforms for the Italian police and Milan taxi drivers to the iconic Alitalia pilot uniforms of the 1990s, Armani’s touch is evident in various aspects of Italian life. Not stopping there, Armani also owns the Italian basketball team, Olimpia Milano, and is responsible for designing uniforms for both the Italian Olympic and Paralympic national teams. It’s safe to say that Armani is truly a national treasure in Italy, with his designs embodying the essence of Italian style and elegance.

During the pandemic, Armani showcased his dedication to global health by transforming his Italian factories to manufacture disposable medical protective clothing, addressing the pressing demand for such essentials. In addition to providing financial aid to support Italian hospitals and anti-epidemic organizations, Armani made a profound statement of solidarity in 2022. His latest collection was silently unveiled at the Milan Fashion Show, serving as a moving tribute to those impacted by the conflict in Ukraine. This gesture highlighted the compassionate and humanitarian aspect of Armani’s prominent influence in the fashion industry.