Giorgio Armani
Giorgio Armani (born 11 July 1934) is an Italian fashion designer, particularly noted for his menswear.
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Contents
- 1 Biography
- 2 In the news
- 3 Brands
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Biography
Armani was born in Piacenza, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. He originally trained in science, then gave it up to pursue photography, before being called up for national service in 1957. He then worked in a department store, La Rinascente, as a window dresser. From 1961 to 1970, Armani worked as a designer in well-known fashion house Nino Cerruti, after which he left to pursue freelance work. In 1974, with his partner Sergio Galeotti, he established Giorgio Armani S.p.A. with a menswear label, introducing a womenswear line in 1975. His sister Rosanna Armani joined him in the company; Galeotti died in 1985. Giorgio Armani is also known as being a fan of Inter Milan. In fact, according to reports, in 2006 there was a posibility that he would be new Inter's president. He is known today for his clean, tailored lines. He achieved his international breakthrough by tailoring for numerous Hollywood names and especially for Richard Gere in the title role of American Gigolo in 1980. Armani was also noted for building a mansion on the Caribbean island of Antigua, and being among the first designers to ban models with a body mass index (BMI) under 18, after model Ana Carolina Reston starved herself to death due to anorexia nervosa.
In the news
In 2001, Forbes named Giorgio Armani the most successful Italian designer, estimating his net worth at $1.7 billion. The following year he was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
In 2005, Armani was named the "Best Dressed Environmentalist" by the Sustainable Style Foundation. In 2006, he designed the ceremonial Italian flag-bearers' outfits at the 2006 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Turin, Italy.
Brands
Giorgio Armani has launched numerous lines over the years including:
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Armani Exchange (A|X), the most affordable diffusion line, sold in freestanding boutiques that sell this line exclusively.
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Armani Jeans, a lower priced collection of jeans and clothes aimed at a younger market.
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Armani Casa, a line of furniture and accessories for the home.
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Armani Junior, a line of clothes for boys and girls.
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Emporio Armani, a line of ready-to-wear clothes and accessories aimed at a younger market.
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Armani Collezioni a more expensive line of ready-to-wear clothes aimed at an older market.
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Armani Occhiali, an eyewear line that includes both frames and sunglasses.
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Giorgio Armani, the premiere line of Armani's clothing, sometimes referred to as "black label".
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Armani Privé, the haute couture line.
There are also Emporio Armani Cafés worldwide in addition to an Armani Bar in Hong Kong, an Armani Jeans Cafe in Milan, an Armani/Nobu restaurant in Milan, and Privé, an Armani bar/club, also located in Milan. Several other brands operate in a few worldwide locations such as Armani Dolci (a small line of Armani-branded confectionery), Armani Fiori (flowers and flower arrangements), and Armani Libri which sells books. These specialist lines are typically found within larger Armani stores, such as in the world-flagship, 31 Via Manzoni in Milan as well as in the Armani/Chater House on Chater Road in Hong Kong.
Giorgio Armani S.p.A.
Giorgio Armani S.p.A. is an Italian fashion company founded in 1975 by Giorgio Armani and Sergio Galeotti with a starting capital of $10,000 that they got from selling their Volkswagen. The company designs and manufactures products in several categories including fashion accessories, apparel, cosmetics, fragrances, home interiors, jewelry, eyewear and watches under several labels including Giorgio Armani, Armani Collezioni, Emporio Armani, Armani Jeans, Armani Junior, Armani Exchange A|X, and Armani Casa.
Armani today employs about 4,700 employees and has 13 factories around the world. It has retail stores in 36 countries around the world including 58 Giorgio Armani boutiques, 12 Armani Collezioni stores, 121 Emporio Armani stores, 68 A/X Armani Exchange stores, 11 AJ / Armani Jeans stores, 6 Armani Junior stores, 1 Giorgio Armani Accessories store and 14 Armani Casa stores. Recently, the house has begun a Haute Couture operation, showing in Paris during the Haute Couture fashion week, under the name of Armani Privé.
Armani is also planning together with EMAAR Properties PJSC to launch a chain of luxury hotels and resorts in several big cities including London, Paris, New York, Tokyo, Shanghai, Dubai and Milan. The company already operates a range of cafes worldwide, in addition to a bar, restaurant and nightclub.
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