Born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, Giorgio Armani, is one of the leading names in the fashion world. Armani was passionate about photography even though he was qualified in medicine. He began his career path with his first job as a window dresser. That was followed by a 9-year stint with the famous house Nino Cerruti. He then began to work as a freelancer. In 1974, he along with his partner Sergio Galeotti formed Giorgio Armani S.p.A.
Within a year, Armani had added a women’s wear line to their existing menswear label. Soon his sister Rosanna Armani joined him in the business. Armani suffered a setback when his partner and friend Galeotti died of AIDs in 1985.
Armani got his first big break, after designing for several Hollywood movies, in American Gigolo when he designed clothes for Richard Gere in 1980. Armani is known for his clean cuts and smart tailored fits.
He was the first designer who insisted on hiring models only if their BMI (body mass index) was above 18. This rule was laid down after the death of model Ana Carolina Reston who died of starvation through anorexia nervosa.
By 2001, Armani’s wealth had multiplied manifold and was estimated to be around $1.7 billion. Forbes magazine named Armani to be the most successful designer from Italy and pegged his net worth at $4.1 billion in 2006. The following year, for his contribution to humanitarian work, he was appointed the Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
In 2006, he designed the costumes of the Italian flag bearers at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Italy. Besides apparel for men and women, his group today produces a wide range of apparel and accessories that includes cosmetics, shoes, watches, jewellery, bags, eyewear, fragrances and home furnishings.
The master of reinvention, he notched another first in 2007. In January 2007, Armani became the first fashion designer to showcase and broadcast the Armani Spring/Summer Collection live on the internet. Armani has recently collaborated with UAE’s leading property developer, Emaar Properties, to launch a chain of luxury hotels and resorts around the world.
Armani has received several awards, notable among these being Italy’s highest government award, Lifetime Achievement Award and Best International Designer Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. He has also got a GQ Designer of the Year Award and an Honorary Doctorate from London’s Royal College of Art.
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