Giorgio Armani Biography

Vita

• 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.

  

• 1961–1971

  Designs suits for Nino Cerruti.

• 1970

  Armani runs his first design studio with his partner Sergio Galeotti.

• 1974

  The designer creates his first collection, and the following year he starts his own company.

• 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)".

  

• 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.

  

• 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.

• 1991

  Armani is awarded an honorary doctorate from the Royal College of Art.

  

• 1996

  Armani is sentenced to a nine-month suspended sentence following an accusation of bribery to the Italian tax authorities.

• 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.

• 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.

• 2002

  Armani becomes a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

• 2003

  The designer unveils a convertible he has specially designed, the "CLK Giorgio Armani Design Car."

• 2007

  A cooperation with Samsung results in a giant LCD TV and a smartphone as an extension of his lifestyle collection.

• 2008

  Armani becomes the owner of the Olimpia Milano basketball club. Also in 2008, he is appointed an officer of the Legion of Honor.