Italian Fashion Designer Giorgio Armani Passes Away at 91
Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani has passed away today at the age of 91, "surrounded by his loved ones," the Armani group announced in a statement released on Thursday. "It is with immense sadness that the Armani group announces the passing of its founder and driving force, Giorgio Armani," the statement reads.
Giorgio Armani is one of the pioneers of the fashion world and is considered one of the most famous manufacturers of accessories, perfumes, makeup, and clothing globally. According to the New York Times, Giorgio Armani was born on July 11, 1934, in Italy. He was the second of his siblings and the son of an accountant father and a homemaker mother. He worked as a sports clothing tailor in his hometown and, after World War II, moved with his family to Milan.
Early Life and Career
He studied medicine in parallel with his profession, then photography. After completing his military service, he began working as a window dresser in a large department store of the time. Thanks to his exceptional work, the management quickly entrusted him with preparing the store's purchasing plan. After several years of hard work, Armani met fashion designer Nino Cerruti in 1961 and asked for his help in presenting models for some of his creations. It was at this time that Giorgio's first creations began to be sold under the Hitman brand.
Founding of Giorgio Armani S.p.A.
In 1970, Armani created his own studio and immediately worked with two major fashion designers. He also sold his models to the Italian fashion house. In 1974, Giorgio sold his Volkswagen car to open his own fashion house with his friend Sergio Galeotti. Talented fashion designer, his company was named "Giorgio Armani S.p.A.".
Rise to Fame
His activity took off when he was asked to design the costumes for actor Richard Gere in the successful film "American Gigolo" in 1980. Since then, Giorgio has expanded his creations to accessories, perfumes, makeup, and sportswear. In 1998, his company became the largest Italian fashion company, with a capital of $850 million.
Giorgio Armani never married and possessed an immense fortune estimated to be over $7 billion.
