“I love things that age well – things that don’t date, that stand the test of time and that become living examples of the absolute best”. Giorgio Armani
It is said “All good things must come to an end.” One of the best in the world of design came to an end with the passing of Giorgio Armani, who died at age 91 on September 4, 2025. His was a life well lived and one to be celebrated for his contributions to the comfort, style and forward thinking in many areas of life — fashion and clothing, architecture, fragrance, home goods, hotels and even music.
He was born July 11, 1934 in Piacenza, Italy the middle child of a middle class family. An early interest in human anatomy led him to study medicine at the University of Milan but he dropped out before completing the degree and instead served two years in a Military Hospital during WWII. Afterwards, he found employment as a window dresser and sales person at the well known Italian department store, La Rinascente. He learned quickly and in 1961 Nino Cerruti recruited Armani to develop a new menswear line. It was during this time he met architect Sergio Galeotti, who became his partner in life and business.
Galeotti recognized Armani’s talent and drive and, no doubt, understood that the same architectural principles of design were at work in Armani’s clothing: line, pattern, harmony of parts to the whole, balance, volume, color theory and most intriguingly, the counterintuitive concept of creating space by enclosing it. This is at the heart of architecture and Armani created space for the human body by enclosing it with fabric — in a new and revolutionary way. Armani debuted both men’s and women’s wear at his first show in 1975. He created exquisitely cut and tailored suits but with relaxed and elongated lines. His clothes were comfortable, flattering, fluid and sensual. The world loved his sophisticated, clean, easy-to-wear clothes.
In 1980 he created the entire wardrobe for Richard Gere in the movie “American Gigolo” and Hollywood, Wall Street and the public couldn’t get enough. After Diane Keaton accepted her Oscar for her role as Annie Hall wearing an Armani suit, more and more celebrities wore his garments — Jodie Foster, George Clooney, David and Victoria Beckham, Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett, Brad Pitt, Leonardo di Caprio and Beyoncé are only a partial list! He became known as the “King of the Red Carpet.”
In the 1980’s Armani would open a boutique in Milan, launch a successful fragrance line, introduced Emporio Armani, Armani Privé, Armani Exchange and the Armani Café in Milan. The 2000’s would see an Armani Hotel in Dubai and a celebration of both 35 years and 45 years of Armani design.
Giorgio Armani was involved in his work until 2024 when, due to illness, he attended his last fashion show. More impressively, he had remained the sole owner and director of his worldwide empire, never succumbing to the buyout offers from large luxury conglomerates. It is a testament to his drive, vision, focus and discipline that he was able to successfully expand his line into a lifestyle brand while staying true to the original essence of the Armani label; one of quality, simple elegance and sophistication, clean lines and neutral colors. Today’s move towards “quiet luxury” finds its roots in that first Armani show of 1975 as does the easy living of unstructured clothing so prevalent in contemporary clothing.
Adopt Armani’s timeless elegance, sophistication and comfort a part of your Purely Personal style
