Giorgio Armani, one of the most powerful forces within fashion, has died at the age of 91. His eponymous brand released a statement confirming his passing – “indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and the many ongoing and future projects.”
Fellow designers, editors and the fashion industry as a whole, have expressed great sadness at the news, and have partaken in praising the iconic Italian designer who was undeniably a trailblazer of his time.
Born in Piacenza, Italy, in 1934, Armani made the big move to the upcoming fashion capital of Milan initially to study medicine at university. He would eventually forgo this to pursue his career in fashion – which began as a window dresser in a department store in 1957. Throughout the 1960s and early 1970s he worked alongside numerous designers, including Nino Cerruti, before taking the plunge in 1975 and launching his namesake brand alongside Sergio Galeotti. That very same year, he debuted his first men’s ready-to-wear collection and launched a separate women’s line.
However, it was throughout the 1980s that Armani truly blossomed into the brand that remains so famous worldwide today. His unstructured power suit redefined menswear, triggering a shift from rigid tailoring to softer, relaxed fits. This refined and elegant aesthetic also extended to his colour palette – which largely consisted of muted tones – to define luxury in the way we continue to view it today.
Equally, Armani Privé has an unparalleled legacy when it comes to red carpet looks. He found the optimal blend of timelessness, sophistication and modern elegance, to create some of the most iconic fashion moments of all time. Today, 40 years on since the brand’s inception, celebrities yearn to be dressed by the house.
Armani was so much more than a designer – he built an empire. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the brand expanded with numerous new lines, including Emporio Armani and Armani Jeans. The growth didn’t stop there –he continued to delve into different industries, such as fragrances, a make up line, home décor and even hotels. This of course is all the more impressive when taking into account that throughout, Armani has remained under private ownership – an extreme rarity in a world of conglomerates.
Giorgio Armani was truly a cut above the rest, and undeniably is one of the greatest talents the industry has ever witnessed. His unwavering commitment to his craft – working into his final days – and vast influence on the industry has well and truly solidified him as a fashion legend.
