About
Giorgio Armani is a highly influential Italian fashion designer and the founder of the Armani luxury fashion house. He is regarded as one of the most important designers in contemporary fashion. Armani gained recognition for his work at Cerruti 1881 before launching his own label in 1975. Known for minimalist, deconstructed silhouettes, especially in jackets and suits, he redefined elegance and also shaped celebrity style.
Career Timeline
Founded Giorgio Armani S.p.A.
Launched his own fashion label with business partner Sergio Galeotti, initially focusing on menswear with innovative soft tailoring. This marked the beginning of what would become a global fashion empire.
Hollywood Breakthrough with American Gigolo
Designed costumes for 'American Gigolo' starring Richard Gere, introducing Armani to American audiences and establishing the brand as synonymous with sophisticated masculinity. This partnership with Hollywood celebrities became a cornerstone of his brand strategy.
Time Magazine Cover
Became the first fashion designer to appear solo on the cover of Time magazine, cementing his status as a cultural icon. The Armani empire had expanded globally with multiple product lines and boutiques worldwide.
Armani Exchange Launch
Launched the accessible Armani Exchange line, successfully democratizing the brand while maintaining luxury prestige through tiered offerings. This strategic expansion significantly increased revenue and global reach.
Lifestyle Empire Expansion
Expanded into hotels, restaurants, and home furnishings, transforming Armani from a fashion house into a complete lifestyle brand. His vision of total aesthetic control across multiple sectors proved wildly profitable.
Retained Full Ownership
Remained one of the few major designers to retain 100% ownership of his company, resisting acquisition offers and maintaining complete creative control. This independence preserved both his artistic vision and enormous personal wealth.
Pandemic Adaptation Success
Navigated COVID-19 by shifting to digital presentations and e-commerce while using his facilities to produce medical scrubs. His brand emerged resilient, maintaining its luxury positioning despite industry-wide challenges.
Enduring Fashion Icon
At 91, remains chairman of the Armani Group and an active creative force, universally recognized as one of fashion's greatest living designers. His minimalist aesthetic continues to define modern elegance, and his business success is unparalleled in maintaining independent ownership of a global luxury empire.
Related Celebrities
Last updated: February 23, 2026