Giorgio Armani S.p.A., known as Armani, is a renowned fashion house in Milan. It offers haute couture, ready-to-wear, accessories, and more. The brand also licenses its name for eyewear, fragrances, and cosmetics. Armani Privé, Giorgio Armani, and Emporio Armani are the main lines showcased at Milan Fashion Week.
Giorgio Armani was born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, Italy. He initially pursued a career in the military and attended medical school before transitioning to the fashion industry.
In 1957, Giorgio Armani began working at the Milan department store La Rinascente. He initially worked as an assistant photographer before moving to the style office where he curated quality products from India and Japan.
In 1964, Giorgio Armani made a significant career decision to leave medical school and pursue a career in fashion. He started as a buyer for La Rinascente before delving into design under Nino Cerruti.
After returning from military service, Armani began working at a local store and eventually transitioned into designing. He initially worked on designing windows and later collaborated with a designer, sparking his interest in the field.
Armani heeded his friend Sergio Galeotti’s advice and opened his own design office in Milan in 1973. This marked the beginning of his journey towards establishing his own fashion house.
Giorgio Armani founded his own label, Giorgio Armani S.p.A., in Milan on July 24, 1975, in collaboration with his friend Sergio Galeotti. This marked a significant milestone in Armani's career as a fashion designer.
In 1976, Giorgio Armani expanded his brand by introducing a womenswear collection, continuing his trend of innovative designs with neutral colors and a focus on natural fit.
In 1978, Armani formed a strategic partnership with the largest Italian clothing manufacturer at the time, Gruppo Finanziario Tessile (GFT). This collaboration enabled Armani to increase production and meet the rising demand from both European and international markets.
In 1979, the founder established the Giorgio Armani Corporation, enabling the brand to start production for the United States market, leading to its international success.
In 1980, Armani made a significant breakthrough in the American market when Richard Gere wore his True Fashionista designs in the movie American Gigolo, gaining popularity for his 'power suits'.
In 1981, the Emporio Armani and Armani Jeans lines are launched, expanding the brand's offerings and solidifying its presence in the fashion industry.
In 1982, Giorgio Armani became the first fashion designer to be featured on the cover of Time magazine since Christian Dior in the 1940s.
The first Giorgio Armani boutique opens its doors in Milan in 1983, marking a significant milestone in the brand's retail expansion and presence in the fashion capital.
In 1984, the first billboard featuring Giorgio Armani's brand is installed in Milan, enhancing the brand's visibility and iconic status in the city.
In 1985, Sergio Galleoti, one of the partners of the fashion house, passed away, leaving his 50 percent share to Armani. This event marked a significant change in the ownership structure of the brand.
Giorgio Armani is appointed as the Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 1986, recognizing his significant contributions to the fashion industry and Italian culture.
In 1987, Armani designed costumes for the movie The Untouchables, contributing to the brand's association with sophistication and success.
In 1988, Armani signed a licensing agreement with L’Oréal to produce perfumes, which was later renewed to run until 2050, expanding the brand's product range.
Armani's close friend and business partner, Sergio Galeotti, died from a heart attack at his home in Milan.
During the spring/summer of 1990, Armani showcased a man's suit that reflected his signature style of tailored elegance and sophistication.
Armani Exchange was launched in 1991 as a more affordable and accessible line compared to the high-end Giorgio Armani brand.
In 1992, Jodie Foster wears a Giorgio Armani suit while receiving the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for 'The Silence of the Lambs', highlighting the brand's presence in the world of cinema and red carpet events.
By 1994, the Armani Exchange (A/X) store project faced commercial challenges, leading Armani to reconsider its expansion plans. The brand decided to maintain a limited number of lower-priced stores to preserve profit margins.
In 1995, Giorgio Armani expands his brand into fragrance by launching Acqua di Gio EDT, a popular cologne for men worldwide.
In 1996, Giorgio Armani faced legal issues and received a suspended sentence for pleading guilty to bribing Italian tax officials in 1989 and 1990. Despite this setback, Armani continued to thrive in his career.
Giorgio Armani Orologi was established in 1997, leading to various collaborations and collections in the watch and jewelry industry.
In 1998, Armani expanded into China, viewing it as a new frontier for luxury shopping. They opened their first store in Beijing, which later led to the establishment of a larger store in Shanghai in 2004, with plans to further expand across China and the Asia Pacific region.
In 1999, concerns were raised over a donation made by Giorgio Armani SpA to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, coinciding with a retrospective of Armani's work at the museum.
After Sergio Galeotti's passing, Giorgio Armani launched his first restaurant, the Emporio Armani Express, in London, marking the beginning of a series of cafes.
In 2001, Armani established a partnership with Vestimenta to produce the men's and women's Borgonuovo line.
In 2002, Giorgio Armani was appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, showcasing his involvement in humanitarian efforts.
In 2003, Giorgio Armani was honored with the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style award in Beverly Hills.
The Armani/Three on the Bund concept store was opened in Shanghai in 2004.
In 2005, Armani debuted his first haute couture line, Armani Prive, showcasing his venture into high-end fashion and luxury design.
Giorgio Armani designed the uniforms for the Italian flag-bearers at the 2006 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony, highlighting his influence in the world of sports and fashion.
On January 24, 2007, Armani made history by broadcasting his collection live on the Internet, becoming the first in haute couture to do so. The show featured the Armani Privé Spring/Summer 2007 collection.
In 2008, Armani designed a bullfighting costume called 'Goyesco' for Spanish bullfighter Cayetano Rivera Ordóñez, which was worn at the 'Corrida Goyesca' in Ronda, Spain.
In 2009, the Armani brand ventures into innovative hotel design, unveiling its first hotel in Dubai and subsequently in Milan, focusing on elegance, harmony, and the Armani lifestyle.
Armani inaugurates a $73 million store in Milan to celebrate their 25th anniversary, spanning over 8,000 square feet.
In 2011, Giorgio Armani opened the first Armani Hotel in Dubai, marking a significant expansion of the brand into the hospitality industry.
In 2012, Giorgio Armani was responsible for designing Italy's Olympic uniforms for the Summer Olympics held in London. His designs combined fashion and functionality to represent the Italian team.
In 2013, the Armani Group established its Corporate Social Responsibility department and published specifications for the Restricted Substances List, showcasing a commitment to ethical practices.
In 2014, Giorgio Armani celebrates his 80th birthday and the 40th year of his iconic label, of which he remains the sole independent shareholder.
On April 30, 2015, Giorgio Armani celebrated 40 years of his career, inaugurating the exhibition space Armani/Silos. This event also marked the renovation of via Bergognone and surrounding green areas.
A blog post written by Marc on April 21, 2016, focusing on the history of the Armani brand, specifically Giorgio Armani.
Armani's brand value reached $3.1 billion in 2017, solidifying its position as one of the most valuable fashion companies in the world.
In November 2019, when Venice faced a devastating flood, the Armani company, along with other fashion houses, provided support to the city through various initiatives and donations, showcasing solidarity in times of crisis.
In 2020, Giorgio Armani was honored with the 'Fashion Dresses Peace' award for his notable efforts towards inclusion and combating discrimination and racism, highlighting his significant contributions to the fashion industry.
Armani Privé collection featured colors as a symbol of moving forward from the impact of COVID-19, embracing life with joy and vibrancy.
The new season stock of Armani has been released, showcasing classic items such as Armani J21 Jeans, Crew Neck T-Shirts, and Polo T Shirts with the iconic logo and shirts.