As Giorgio Armani celebrates his 90th birthday we take a look back at his incredible career.
Giorgio Armani is one of the most recognizable names in fashion. The Italian designer who celebrates his 90th birthday this month, shows no signs of slowing down and still has the same passion as he did in 1975 when he launched his first menswear line.
“I have to create beauty that resonates with my customer in a way that is relevant to their lives. I have a very particular personal aesthetic, which is based on sophistication, elegance and comfort, and over the years, I have discovered that this is something that many people all over the world – regardless of geography or culture – can relate to and desire.” He told us in 2020 as the brand was dealing with the impact of COVID-19. “This is the secret to my longevity as a designer; my clarity of vision is very simple to understand, and as I don’t follow transient, passing trends, my customers know they are in good hands. You sustain desirability by having a genuine, authentic point of view. That is what people respond to.”
Armani has a special something that allows customers to connect and feel the essence of the brand, and perhaps this is why he has been so successful. As he reaches this remarkable milestone, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the illustrious career of a man who has not only shaped the fashion industry but also redefined the concept of luxury itself.
Born on July 11, 1934, in the Italian town of Piacenza, Giorgio Armani’s early life was far removed from the glitz and glamour of the fashion world. Initially pursuing a career in medicine, he soon realized his true calling lay elsewhere. After a brief stint in the military, Armani took a job as a window dresser at La Rinascente, a prestigious department store in Milan. This experience ignited his passion for fashion and set the stage for what would become a legendary career.
In 1975, Armani founded his eponymous brand by launching his first menswear collection. His designs, characterized by clean lines, impeccable tailoring, and a subdued colour palette, quickly garnered attention. The brand’s “less is more” ethos resonated with a generation seeking refined simplicity. Armani’s breakthrough came in 1980 when he designed Richard Gere’s wardrobe for the film “American Gigolo.” The film’s success catapulted Armani into the international spotlight, solidifying his reputation as a master of understated elegance and creating a connection to the film industry that would last for decades.
Giorgio Armani’s influence extends far beyond the runway. He revolutionized red carpet fashion, dressing some of the world’s most iconic celebrities, including Michelle Pfeiffer, Julia Roberts, and Cate Blanchett. His designs have graced countless award ceremonies, from the Oscars to the Cannes Film Festival, making him a favourite among A-list stars.
Armani’s impact on menswear is equally profound. He redefined the modern suit, introducing unstructured jackets and relaxed silhouettes that offered a fresh take on traditional tailoring. His approach to menswear blurred the lines between formal and casual, creating versatile pieces that became staples in men’s wardrobes worldwide.
Throughout his career, Giorgio Armani has remained steadfast in his commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Every piece that bears his name is a testament to his dedication to perfection. His attention to detail and insistence on using the finest materials have set the standard for luxury fashion.
Armani’s empire extends beyond clothing. His ventures into accessories, fragrances, hotels, and even interior design have taken the brand to the next level. The Armani brand is synonymous with a lifestyle of sophistication and refinement, offering a complete vision of luxury living.
Beyond fashion, Armani’s philanthropic efforts have made a significant impact. He has supported numerous charitable causes, including medical research, humanitarian aid, and environmental conservation. His commitment to giving back reflects the values of integrity and responsibility that have defined his career.
As he turns 90, Giorgio Armani is as dedicated to his work as he was on the first day and his recent continue to receive praise for their innovation and timeless appeal. Armani remains actively involved in every aspect of his brand, ensuring that his legacy of elegance and excellence endures.
Armani celebrates this milestone with the release of his latest Haute Couture collection, which debuted in Paris last month. The collection ” Pearls ” celebrates the pearl’s beauty and connection to the moon, water, wisdom, and love. Seeing a widespread need for serenity and calm, the designer built his entire collection around pearls. He imagined women of quiet and seductive allure and dresses that sculpted them paired with jackets with powerful shoulders and flowing trousers, with wrap-around overcoats, liquid tops and skirts or long dresses that trace the figure and allow each delicate movement of the body to be perfectly perceived.
The attention to detail is incredible. Embroideries decorate delicate pieces, playing with the light, while pearls are trapped on the surfaces of materials and multiply like dew drops on fabric. There is a sense of shimmering opulence and beauty throughout the collection which celebrates the mastery and skills of an icon.
