Remembering Giorgio Armani: A Fashion Legend
The fashion world mourns the loss of Italian designer Giorgio Armani at the age of 91. A look at his legacy in fashion and business strategies.
The Armani Group, founded in 1975 by Italian designer Giorgio Armani and his partner Sergio Galeotti, is a leading global luxury fashion house headquartered in Milan. It began with Giorgio Armani’s vision to create elegant, understated apparel, debuting with men’s and women’s ready-to-wear collections in 1976. The brand gained worldwide prominence in 1980 after actor Richard Gere wore Armani designs in *American Gigolo*, cementing its reputation for sophisticated soft tailoring and luxury[1][2][3]. Over the decades, Armani expanded its portfolio with multiple lines targeting various market segments. Emporio Armani was launched in 1981 to appeal to younger customers, while Armani Exchange (1988) targeted urban youth with more accessible pricing. Armani Casa (2000) marked the brand’s extension into luxury home furnishings and lifestyle products. The group also grew internationally, opening flagship stores across Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas, establishing itself as a major player in the global luxury fashion industry[1][4]. A distinctive feature of the Armani Group is its strong emphasis on independent control. Giorgio Armani retained full creative and strategic authority for nearly 50 years, avoiding mergers or sales that could dilute the brand’s identity. This autonomy allowed consistent quality and brand integrity across its diverse lines, including haute couture (Armani Privé), fragrances, cosmetics, eyewear, accessories, and more[1][4][5]. Key achievements include pioneering the "power suit" trend of the 1980s, dressing numerous Hollywood celebrities on red carpets, and maintaining financial resilience with revenues surpassing €2 billion annually. Despite pandemic-related disruptions in 2020, the Group rebounded strongly in subsequent years. Today, Armani remains a symbol of Italian craftsmanship, luxury, and cultural influence, continuing to innovate while honoring its heritage[1][5][6]. In sum, th
The fashion world mourns the loss of Italian designer Giorgio Armani at the age of 91. A look at his legacy in fashion and business strategies.