Giorgio Armani, an iconic Italian fashion designer, has left an indelible mark on the world of fashion, and his story is nothing short of remarkable. Zatrun.com has taken a closer look at the life and career of this fashion giant, from his early years to his groundbreaking innovations in the industry.

Italian Fashion Designer Giorgio Armani: A Story of Style and Success

Born on July 11, 1934, Giorgio Armani hails from the northern Italian town of Piacenza. Raised alongside his older brother Sergio and younger sister Rosanna by his parents, Maria Raimondi and Ugo Armani, his early life was marked by a pursuit of medicine. While attending the University of Milan’s medical department, Armani’s aspirations took a different turn. He ventured into the army, serving for two years and discovering a new path for his future career.

After his military service, Armani began his fashion journey in 1957, working as a window dresser and sales clerk at La Rinascente, a Milan-based department store. During this time, he had the opportunity to showcase innovative Finnish textiles and quickly became a seller in the menswear department. These early experiences laid the foundation for his future career in fashion marketing.

In the mid-1960s, Armani joined the Nino Cerruti company, where he initially focused on designing menswear. His talent soon caught the industry’s attention, and he began freelancing for various fashion houses, contributing designs to as many as ten manufacturers simultaneously.

In the late 1960s, Armani’s life took a pivotal turn when he met Sergio Galeotti, an architectural draftsman. This marked the beginning of a personal and professional partnership that lasted for many years. In 1973, Galeotti encouraged Armani to establish his own design office in Milan, which initiated a period of extensive collaboration. During this time, Armani worked as a freelance designer for several fashion houses, including Allegri, Bagutta, Hilton, and more.

The Journey of G. Armani: From Medicine to Runways

Armani’s journey eventually led him to found Giorgio Armani S.p.A. in Milan on July 24, 1975, with the support of Galeotti. That same year, he presented his first collection of men’s ready-to-wear for Spring and Summer of 1976 under his own name, followed by a women’s line for the same season.

Italian manufacturers recognized the potential in supporting local designers like Armani, which allowed them to begin their businesses without the burden of debt. Armani’s business flourished, featuring ambitious fashion shows and innovative advertising campaigns.

Over the years, Armani not only made a significant impact on the fashion industry but also ventured into the world of art. His support for exhibitions like “Pier Paolo Pasolini: The Eyes of a Poet” at The Museum of Modern Art in New York exemplifies his appreciation for the arts beyond fashion.

In 2008, Armani designed bullfighting costumes, known as “Goyesco,” for Spanish bullfighter Cayetano Rivera Ordóñez. He has also designed costumes for numerous films, including “American Gigolo” and “The Untouchables.”

Armani continued to expand his business and reach a broader audience through innovations. He was the first designer to ban models with a body mass index (BMI) under 18, paving the way for a healthier approach to the fashion industry. He broadcast his collection live on the Internet in 2007, a pioneering move in haute couture. Additionally, Armani’s contributions extended to the world of music, as he worked with Eric Clapton and introduced Armani Musica and Emporio Armani Caffè compilations.

Giorgio Armani’s interest in sports was evident through his involvement with the Olimpia Milano basketball team and his connection to football clubs such as Inter Milan and Chelsea. He designed suits for the England national football team and provided uniforms for the Italian Olympic and Paralympic teams.

Armani’s influence transcended fashion, impacting multiple aspects of culture and entertainment. His brand remains synonymous with style and sophistication, making him an enduring icon in the world of fashion. As of 2017, Giorgio Armani’s annual turnover stood at $1.6 billion, and his personal fortune was estimated at $8.1 billion, reflecting the lasting legacy he has created in the world of fashion and beyond.