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Armani

Italian luxury fashion house

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.

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Timeline

Giorgio Armani born in Piacenza, Italy

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.

Giorgio Armani starts working at La Rinascente

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.

Giorgio Armani transitions to a career in fashion

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.

Armani Starts Designing

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.

Opening of Armani's Design Office in Milan

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.

Founding of Giorgio Armani S.p.A.

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.

Launch of Armani Womenswear Collection

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.

Partnership with Gruppo Finanziario Tessile (GFT)

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.

Establishment of Giorgio Armani Corporation

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.

Armani's Breakthrough in the American Market

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'.

Launch of Emporio Armani and Armani Jeans lines

In 1981, the Emporio Armani and Armani Jeans lines are launched, expanding the brand's offerings and solidifying its presence in the fashion industry.

Armani on the Cover of Time Magazine

In 1982, Giorgio Armani became the first fashion designer to be featured on the cover of Time magazine since Christian Dior in the 1940s.

Opening of first Giorgio Armani boutique in Milan

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.

Installation of first billboard in Milan

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.

Sergio Galleoti passes away

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 appointed Grand Officer of the Order of Merit

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.

Armani designs costumes for The Untouchables

In 1987, Armani designed costumes for the movie The Untouchables, contributing to the brand's association with sophistication and success.

Licensing Agreement with L’Oréal

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.

Sergio Galeotti's Passing

Armani's close friend and business partner, Sergio Galeotti, died from a heart attack at his home in Milan.

Armani's Man's Suit

During the spring/summer of 1990, Armani showcased a man's suit that reflected his signature style of tailored elegance and sophistication.

Armani Exchange Launch

Armani Exchange was launched in 1991 as a more affordable and accessible line compared to the high-end Giorgio Armani brand.

Jodie Foster wears Giorgio Armani suit at the Oscars

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.

Armani reconsiders Armani Exchange (A/X) store strategy

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.

Launch of Acqua di Gio EDT

In 1995, Giorgio Armani expands his brand into fragrance by launching Acqua di Gio EDT, a popular cologne for men worldwide.

Legal Troubles and Suspended Sentence

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.

Armani Expansion into China

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.

Controversy over donation to Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

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.

Opening of First Restaurant

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.

Giorgio Armani appointed Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR

In 2002, Giorgio Armani was appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, showcasing his involvement in humanitarian efforts.

Debut of Armani Prive Haute Couture Line

In 2005, Armani debuted his first haute couture line, Armani Prive, showcasing his venture into high-end fashion and luxury design.

Giorgio Armani designs uniforms for 2006 Winter Olympics

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.

Expansion into Hotel Design

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 Opens Megastore in Milan

Armani inaugurates a $73 million store in Milan to celebrate their 25th anniversary, spanning over 8,000 square feet.

Designing Italy's Olympic Uniforms for 2012 Summer Olympics

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.

Establishment of the Corporate Social Responsibility department by the Armani Group

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.

Celebration of 80th Birthday and 40th Year of Armani Label

In 2014, Giorgio Armani celebrates his 80th birthday and the 40th year of his iconic label, of which he remains the sole independent shareholder.

Celebration of 40 years of Giorgio Armani's career and inauguration of Armani/Silos exhibition space

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.

Armani's Value Reaches $3.1 Billion

Armani's brand value reached $3.1 billion in 2017, solidifying its position as one of the most valuable fashion companies in the world.

Giorgio Armani Receives 'Fashion Dresses Peace' Award

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 with Colors

Armani Privé collection featured colors as a symbol of moving forward from the impact of COVID-19, embracing life with joy and vibrancy.

Release of new season stock of Armani featuring classic items

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.

End of the Timeline
Armani

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