Giorgio Armani, born in Piacenza, a quaint town south of Milan, has always had a fascination with theatre and anatomy. Yanki Chu reports the ten key insights into the life and career of this iconic designer

1.     Career beginnings 

Do you surprised that Armani initially studied medicine before following his true passion for fashion. After leaving medical school, he gained experience working as a window dresser and fashion buyer in Milan, laying the foundation for his future in the industry.

2.     From freelancer to founder 

Armani’s journey began with freelancing after gaining experience at Nino Cerruti. Partnering with Sergio Galeotti, they started in a small room where Armani designed clothes while Galeotti sold them to department stores. In 1975, they launched their first collection, featuring a modest selection of men’s and women’s clothing.

3.     The power suit

Armani first showcased a modern, sexy vision of menswear, epitomized by sleek belted wool coats. Today, he is synonymous with power dressing, offering upmarket Italian looks for men and broad-shouldered, glamorous suits that became the uniform for a generation of career women.

4.     Pioneer of women’s wear 

In the 1980s and 1990s, Armani revolutionized women’s fashion by introducing powerful, streamlined silhouettes that empowered women both in the workplace and on the red carpet. His designs celebrated strength and confidence through comfortable yet elegant suits and dresses.

5.     Aesthetic principles 

Armani’s aesthetic is centered around discreet, timeless elegance, characterized by simple lines, refined proportions, and natural materials. He aims to reflect ethical values in his designs, prioritizing comfort, fluidity, and a balance of sophistication and naturalness.

6.     A passion for sports 

Fascinated by the values of sports, Armani has previously held photo exhibitions that highlight the aesthetic qualities of athletic endeavors. Through fashion, he expresses his interpretation of the competitive spirit by designing for sportsmen and women.

7.     Insights into fashion business 

Armani emphasizes sustainable growth, customer-centricity, and maintaining creative control. He believes in creating true value, requiring patience and independence, and aims to build a lasting empire rather than pursuing quick exits.

8.     A healthy lifestyle 

Armani follows a predominantly vegetarian diet and abstains from alcohol, focusing instead on simple Italian cuisine. He enjoys dishes like pasta, risotto, grilled fish, and vegetables.

9.     Classic designs with innovation 

Striving for comfort and ease in his designs, Armani has eliminated excessive padding and fusing materials, opting for the finest fabrics. His style is characterized by simplicity and cleanliness, enhanced by playful and sensual elements.

10.  A stand against size zero 

In 2006, Armani became the first designer to ban size zero models from his runway shows, advocating for a healthy appearance and representing women of all shapes and sizes. He refuses to work with models whose body mass index is below 18.

Also see: 10 things about Tod’s Matteo Tamburini