Fashion Designer Profile: Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani, who has proclaimed admiration for Japan, dedicated his Fall 2011 Prive collection to the Asian nation

Giorgio Armani (born 11 July, 1934), Italian fashion designer, is no stranger to those who are tuned in to the world of style and fashion. One can say he revolutionized the fashion choices of today’s career women and re-defined the office attire.

Armani’s style has been widely accepted across the world. There is no doubt that this Italian fabric maestro has worked his way through blood and sweat with his undying passion and desire to dress the world with an Italian’s fine eye for world-class craftsmanship. The designer learned the tricks of the trade when he worked for Nino Cerrutti in 1964. 

Floral prints on silk were dominant pieces in Armani's Fall 2011 Prive collection

 Armani worked as a humble window dresser before he joined the Italian textile giant. It would probably come as a surprise to many that Armani had tried a short stint in medicine during his youth, only to realize fashion was his calling.

During his early years, the highlights of this multi-talented designer’s career included:

• 1961-1970: Designed for Nina Cerrutti
• 1970: Opened a freelance design studio
• 1974: Launched the Armani men’s collection
• 1975: Launched the Armani women’s collection

 

More floral on silk in Armani's Fall 2011 Prive collection

Armani’s unstructured jackets are much loved by the high-profile celebrity crowd. Armani went ahead to create a totally unique style of evening attire, a style which was lapped up by the likes of Hollywood A-listers Katie Holmes and Michel Pfeiffer. Who can forget the elegant Armani gown embellished with Swarovski crystals lace that Katie Holmes wore for her larger-than-life wedding to Tom Cruise? Armani wedding gowns are considered a luxury for the rich and fabulous.

Katie Holmes wedding dress by Giorgio Armani. The couple are good friends with the designer and the bride wanted a simple classic.

Armani’s reach goes beyond clothing and wedding apparel. His eye-wear collection has been ruling the fashion market since 1988. Now in the 21st century, these remain a fashion staple.

The prolific designer’s style with its unmistakable luxurious feel will remain in fashion’s hall of fame for decades to come. He, dare we say it, could arguably be the male Coco Chanel. Now if that compliment is not fashion royalty enough, we don’t know what is.