How Giorgio Armani rose from department-store salesman to one of fashion’s greatest designers

Giorgio Armani began far from the center of the fashion world. Born in Piacenza on July 11, 1934, he studied medicine briefly before leaving university in 1953 for military service. After abandoning that path, he took a job selling clothes at a Milan department store, where he rose to become a department head.

He then joined another company and began designing menswear. During the 1960s, Armani met Sergio Galeotti, who became his business and personal partner. Galeotti encouraged him to establish his own business and work on fashion shows. Armani gained recognition in fashion circles, experimented with new designs and presented his own clothing line in 1976.

By the 1980s, Armani had become internationally known, particularly after beginning to sell his clothes in the United States. His fashion success opened doors in other industries. He partnered with L’Oréal on a perfume line and entered film production through “American Gigolo,” in which Richard Gere wore his clothes. The film drew worldwide attention, and Armani continued working with film producers as his designs appeared in numerous productions.

During the 1990s, he sought to expand into China and Japan, creating lines adapted to those markets. He also took part in music events, helped in part by his friendship with Eric Clapton. In 2001, he was named Italy’s most successful designer.

Armani’s business later extended to hospitality, including the luxury Armani Hotel in Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. He designed clothing for the England football team and Chelsea, created uniforms for Italian Olympic athletes, and maintained links with basketball club Olimpia Milano. A supporter of Inter Milan, Armani died on September 4, 2025, at the age of 91.