He created Giorgio Armani label in 1975 and in 1982 he appeared on the cover of Time, putting the final seal of approval in his fame.
In 1980 - 81 he founded Giorgio Armani USA, Emporio Armani and Armani Jeans and in 1989 he opened shops in London.
He was a leader in the pared-down, unstructured silhouette in menswear and was responsible for the shouldered look for executive women.
The name Armani became synonymous with sex appeal in the 1980s as the Hollywood blockbuster American Gigolo, staring Richard Gere, featured Armani in numerous key scenes, including Gere’s character shopping for suits in a luxurious retailer.
Looking back at the impact of American Gigolo has publicity-wise, Armani realized that the best way to reach that middle American audience was to dress its star.
The cachet of Armani suits was further bolstered when Armani designed the retro-1930s costumes for Brian De Palma’s gangsters flick The Untouchables, the 1987 cinematic portrayal of the downfall of Al Capone.
Among the many prizes awarded to him, he has won the prestigious Cutty Sark Award for the Best International Men’s Wear fashion designer more than once.
Giorgio Armani – Italian fashion designer
