Giorgio Armani Biography

By Edward Smith

Date of Birth

July 11, 1934

Place of Birth

Piacenza, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy - about 50 miles south of Milan.

Career

Although Giorgio Armani is one of the most influential designers in the world, it was only by chance that he broke into the fashion industry. He studied medicine at Milan University for two years, made a brief foray into photography, then entered the army to complete his military service.

After leaving the army, he became a window dresser at the prestigious department store, La Rinascente in Milan. During this time, he travelled frequently to London, gathering inspiration, and developing the classic style that he has become renowned for.

Having gained a comprehensive knowledge of design and fabric he joined Nino Cerruti in 1961 as a designer for the menswear company, Hitman. He left nine years later in order to start a freelance design business with the encouragement of his close friend Sergio Galeotti, introducing his own menswear label in 1974. He gradually adapted his designs for women, and his first womenswear collection was established a year later, in 1975, in partnership with Galeotti.

Since 1975, Armani has launched a number of lines, including Accessories, Giorgio Armani Junior, Swimwear, Underwear and Occhiali (eyewear). He has also added a number of cheaper diffusion lines such as Emporio Armani, Le Collezioni and Mani. Today, the Armani retail empire spans more than 35 countries and comprises some 280 stores with annual sales of more than $1 billion.

Armani is known to be a workaholic, and believes that clothes should be made to be worn not just seen. His relaxed designs for women are inspired by menswear, softened into a more supple, practical silhouette. His collections are elegant and understated: easy-fit clothing, precisely cut and beautifully tailored.

Forbes has acknowledged Giorgio Armani to be the world's most successful designer, with a net worth of $1.7 billion. He has homes in Broni, Forte dei Marmi, and Pantelleria (Italy), and in St. Tropez (French Riviera).

Lines

• A/X Armani Exchange (basics, US only)
• Armani Alta Moda (haute couture)
• Armani Golf (sportswear), since 1996
• Armani Jeans
• Armani Neve (winter sportswear), since 1996
• Borgonuovo 21
• Classico, since 1996
• Emporio Armani (diffusion, younger customer), since 1984
• Giorgio Armani
• Giorgio Armani U.S.A. (lower priced)
• Le Collezioni (diffusion), since 1979
• Mani (diffusion)
  

Edward Smith has a huge amount of experience writing for the web and offline publications. He is currently writing about wine including riedel wine glasses and spiegelau wine glasses.

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