It took us some time to wiggle out of our latex corset, take a deep breath, and really consider the death of legendary fashion icon, Giorgio Armani. Armani died on September 4th at the age of 91, and below we lovingly consider the man with what we hope is a fitting tribute a few weeks after his passing.
Born in Piacenza, Italy, in 1934, Armani left his early medical ambitions to serve in the Italian Army. His career in fashion, beginning after this service, saw Armani first working as a window dresser, a freelance clerk, and then designing menswear for Nino Cerruti. Partnering with Sergio Galeotti in 1973, the pair opened Giorgio Armani S.p.A., two years later, launching ready-to-wear collections for men and women.
Known for a minimalist style and deconstructed silhouettes of his jackets and suits, Armani set expert tailoring with a certain pragmatism. He built his brand to eventually encompass the Emporio Armani, Armani Junior, and AX Armani Exchange lines.
Working as a costume designer for over a hundred films, the Armani suits and style Richard Gere wore in the movie “American Gigolo” would arguably bring Giorgio Armani to international stage.
And influence an entire generation of men’s fashion, plus score Armani plenty more films to dress.
As well as one of the world’s best-known clothing designers, in his fifty years + in fashion, Armani expanded his branding to entertainment, hospitality, and even sports, where he designed uniforms for several soccer teams.
The Armani Group issued this statement on the day of his death:
“Il Signor Armani, as he was always respectfully and admiringly called by employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and the many ongoing and future projects.”
A legend in fashion, cultural icon, branding genius, expert designer, we surely pay tribute to Giorgio Armani.
