Published: 2022-12-12 ǀ Updated: 2024-07-08
Giorgio Armani Biography
Giorgio Armani (* July 11, 1934 in Piacenza, Italy) is considered one of the greatest fashion designers of the 20th century. The billionaire entrepreneur is still the sole owner of the fashion label Giorgio Armani SpA, which has always been a symbol of elegance and style in muted colors.

Vita
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Early years
After dropping out of medical school, Armani first worked as a window dresser and exhibition arranger, and from 1957 as a fashion buyer in a men's boutique in Milan.
Giorgio Armani Milan -
1961–1971
Designs suits for Nino Cerruti.
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1970
Armani runs his first design studio with his partner Sergio Galeotti.
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1974
The designer creates his first collection, and the following year he starts his own company.
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1976
Armani has his breakthrough in the USA, where he quickly achieves international fame by designing costumes for films such as "The Untouchables (1976)" and "A Man for Certain Hours (1980)".
The Untouchables -
1980
After initially making a name for himself with menswear, Armani launchs his first women's collection. In the same year, he designs the uniforms of the Italian Air Force and creates his first perfume. His business boomed when he is commissioned to create the wardrobe for actor Richard Gere in the 1980 hit film "American Gigolo."
Armani and Eau Pour Homme -
1982
He introduces the Armani Junior, Armani Jeans and Emporio Armani lines, followed by Emporio underwear, swimwear and accessories in 1982. In the early 1980s, the company signs a major agreement with L'Oréal to create Armani Beauty fragrances and cosmetics. The first Giorgio Armani boutique is opened in Milan for the Emporio line. The line offers more youthful products with the same stylistic quality as his high-end line, but at a more affordable price.
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1985
His partner Galeotti, who had been a managing director in the company, dies. Armani not only takes over his 50% share of the company, but also his duties.
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1991
Armani is awarded an honorary doctorate from the Royal College of Art for his work in the fashion industry.
Royal College of Art -
1996
Armani is sentenced to a nine-month suspended sentence following an accusation of bribery to the Italian tax authorities.
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Armani provided Eric Clapton with stage outfits, who in turn composed the music for Armani fashion shows in subsequent years. More stage outfits for international stars such as Billy Joel and Tina Turner follow.
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1998
The first Armani restaurant opens in Paris. Other restaurants, hotels, decor boutiques, around the world follow. Also exclusive nightclubs in Milan and Dubai, and an exquisite line of furnishings.
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2002
Armani becomes a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
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2003
The designer unveils a convertible he has specially designed, the "CLK Giorgio Armani Design Car."
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2005
Armani launches his inaugural haute couture collection in 2005.
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2007
Armani partners with electronics giant Samsung to develop a luxury LCD television and cellular phone, expanding his range of consumer lifestyle products. His Armani Privé spring/summer collection fashion show streams globally through Microsoft Corporation's MSN Web portal and Cingular cellular phones. This is the first live-streamed haute couture fashion show on the Internet.
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2008
Armani becomes the owner of the Olimpia Milano basketball club. Also in 2008, he is appointed an officer of the Legion of Honor.
Basketballclub Olimpia Milano
Trivia
- Armani remains the sole shareholder of his company until now. He oversees all corporate processes, brand image and also licensing.
Sources
Illustrated Books
- Giorgio Armani (2015) [Giorgio Armani]
- Giorgio Armani. Englische Ausgabe. (2000) [Germano Celant]
- Giorgio Armani: Images of Man (1990) [Richard Martin, Harold Koda]
- Vogue on Giorgio Armani (Vogue on Designers) (2018) [Kathy Phillips]
- Giorgio Armani (2000) [Germano Celant, Harold Koda, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum]
Biographies
- Per Amore (2023) [Giorgio Armani]
- Being Armani: A Biography (2008) [Renata Molho]
- Giorgio Armani Biography: Beyond Fashion, Life and Legacy of Armani's Draping Dreams (Biography and History) (2024) [Aiden Charlotte]
- Giorgio Armani: Radical Gender (2016)