Born on July 11, 1934 in Piacenza, Giorgio Armani was the son of a modest family. From an early age, he cultivated discipline and simplicity — values that would later become the foundation of his world-renowned style.
The (broken) dream of Medicine
After finishing high school, he moved to Milan to study medicine at the university. But the sight of pain, blood, and suffering deeply shocked him. After three years of study, he made a courageous decision: to leave the faculty to pursue a different path.
La Rinascente: aesthetic gym and the birth of an eye for fashion
In 1957 he began working as a window dresser at the La Rinascente department store in Milan, later moving into the role of buyer, traveling and selecting clothes and fabrics. It was here that he developed a refined aesthetic sensibility that would guide him throughout his career.
The Cerruti experience and the decisive meeting
In the 1960s, he began collaborating with Nino Cerruti, where he perfected his sartorial techniques. It was during this period that he met Sergio Galeotti, who encouraged him to create his own fashion house.
Birth of a fashion house: 1975
In 1975, together with Galeotti — a partner in life and work — he founded Giorgio Armani SpA, financing the start-up of the business with the sale of his Volkswagen. The first collection — characterized by destructured jackets, subdued colors and soft silhouettes — was an immediate success.
The Rise of the 80s: Hollywood and the Fashion of Elegance
Success exploded in 1980, when Richard Gere wore an Armani suit in the film American Gigolo. Since then, Armani has become synonymous with modern elegance on the big screen and among the global elite. Stars, red carpets and career women embraced his minimalist style: a fashion adapted for the modern era was born.
Global business: empire and ethical innovation
Over the years, he built a multi-billion dollar empire that included fashion, beauty, interior design, hospitality, sports teams and more. Armani always remained independent, a sole proprietor, and promoted ethical initiatives — like banning the use of underweight models in 2007.
"King Giorgio" and his timeless style
Affectionately known as “King Giorgio”, he embodied a discreet, functional and timeless elegance. He remained true to his vision, maintained full control of the company and led the group until the last days of his life.
The Last Days and Farewell (2025)
In June 2025, he missed his first fashion show due to health problems. He was preparing to celebrate the maison's 50th anniversary during Milan Fashion Week. But on September 4, 2025, at the age of 91, Giorgio Armani passed away peacefully in Milan, surrounded by his loved ones. The Armani Group announced his passing with deep sadness.
