I do the work of a tailor. -- Giorgio Armani inVanity Fair
Giorgio Armani understands Hollywood and it's impact on fashion. He rose to popularity after his clothes appeared on Richard Gere in 1980's "American Gigolo" and he's been dressing celebrities ever since.
"He was the first designer to milk his celebrity connections by developing a publicity machine to get his clothes on the backs of Hollywood's most influential and visible A-list of actors, directors, producers and agents," according to The End of Fashion by Teri Agins.
His deconstruction of the jacket in the '70s and the resulting easy-to-wear, yet luxurious pieces for men and women are his trademarks.
Giorgio Armani is the world's wealthiest designer, according to Forbes' celebrity 100 (raking in $135 million in '99), but his is also intimately involved in his privately held business (even claiming to Vanity Fair that he sees the first piece of material and is "there from the beginning" with his associates).
Vital stats
Honors: Recently, the Guggenheim Museum honored Giorgio Armani's 25 years in business with a retrospective of his work (the only individual designer to have a show there).
Education: University of Bologna
Born: 1934
Started in the business: Started as a window display designer at age 20; debuted his namesake line 20 years later in 1974.
Known for: Understated chic
What you might not know about him
- Before starting his own line, he practiced his craft at menswear maker Nino Cerutti as a designer.
- His sister was a top Italian model who introduced him to society.
- He and his partner, Sergio Galeotti, sold a Volkswagon and put $10,000 to start the Giorgio Armani line.
- He revolutionized, first menswear in the '70s, then womenswear, by introducing a sportswear feel to suit jackets and relaxing the tailoring.
- The customer he designs for: Men and women who want sophisticated ease.
- Notable quote: "My philosophy has always been to help women and men feel comfortable and confident through the clothes that they wear, rather than to create decoration for the sake of it." -- CNN
Famous clients
Jodie Foster, Michelle Pfeiffer, Ricky Martin, Matt Damon
How you can get the look
- Borrow heavily from menswear, including pants, jackets and suspenders. Androgyny is a famous Armani daytime look.
- Pantsuits in neutral colors are key. The silhouette should be relaxed but never sloppy. Shirts are optional.
- For a palette, focus on black and white combos, and all shades of earthy colors.
- For evening, ditch the androgyny and go glam with Hollywood-worthy sequins. Be sexy, but never tarty.
- Avoid most references to trends, except an occasional nod, such as miniskirts.
