The Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani died this Thursday, the 4th, at the age of 91, in Milan. Founder of the brand that bears his name, he was known for his minimalist elegance and the quiet revolution he promoted in fashion, especially in men's tailoring.
Armani was born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, in northern Italy. Before entering fashion, he studied medicine, served in the army, and was a buyer at a department store. La Rinascente. His definitive entry into the sector occurred in the 1960s, when he designed for the Nino Cerruti brand.
In 1975, with the support of his colleague Sergio Galeotti, he created Giorgio Armani. His proposal was bold: to remove padding and lining from traditional suits. The result was a modern, comfortable, and form-fitting look. This aesthetic has influenced generations.
From the suit to the red carpet
Cinema was essential to Armani's international projection. In 1980, Richard Gere wore his suits in the film american gigoloAccording to Armani himself, "the film shaped the collective image of the 1980s." From then on, he designed costumes for more than 250 productions.
His influence also grew in the celebrity world. On the red carpet, actresses like Julia Roberts and Brazilian models wore his creations. Also in the 1980s, he launched Emporio Armani, targeted at a young audience, and became the first designer on the cover of the magazine Time since Christian Dior.
Armani also invested in underwear lines, with campaigns starring athletes like David Beckham and Rafael Nadal. He said he sought "attitude and personality" in his poster boys, not just physical beauty.
Discretion and longevity
Known for his reserved style, Armani lived far from the tabloids. He preferred to spend time with family and friends in his free time, often aboard his boat. Childless, he was close to his niece, Roberta Armani, who accompanied him on trips and events.
Despite his discretion, he did not shy away from expressing strong opinions. In an interview with The Sunday Times Magazine, criticized stereotypes in men's clothing, generating controversy. His rivalry with Gianni Versace, who was murdered in 1997, was also well-known.
His career is marked by aesthetic coherence, innovation, and resistance to the lure of sensationalism. Armani was, until the end, synonymous with elegance and pragmatism. His name remains one of the most respected in world fashion.
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