Giorgio Armani
Fashion Designer, Enterpreneur
- Birthday13th Jul, 34
- Birth PlaceItaly
- Marital status
He is known by various adjectives such as visionary, perfectionist and fashion moghul. Meet Giorgio Armani, the undisputed king of tailored suits who has singlehandedly created a standalone multi-billion fashion empire. It is not surprising that he comes from a city which is called the fashion capital of the world. A product of Milan, Giorgio Armani is the creator of one of the most well-known and upscale fashion brands in the world. His Italian company has gone from $14,000 in its first year towards becoming a fashion giant with an incredible $2 billion in annual sales. His personnel fortune has also seen some serious appreciation over the years, making him one of the richest fashion icons in the world. With a net worth touching $7 billion, Armani has little left to prove. However, the beginnings of this empire were rather humble. He founded the company, Giorgio Armani SpA in the early Seventies, with his late partner Sergio Galeotti with whatever funds they could raise after selling their Volkswagen. "We had no idea what we were doing," says the internationally acclaimed designer. "Only that we wanted to do it." That was 1975. The Armani empire now includes more than 250 stores in 33 countries which ring up worldwide sales of $2 billion a year. His fashion empire remains privately owned, meaning that he is the single shareholder of his company making him the last standalone fashion designer. His ever-growing portfolio includes ready-to-wear men's and women's fashion lines, a haute couture line, shoes, watches, cosmetics, housewares, electronics (TV and phone), a confectionary, cafes, a restaurant, bar and nightclub and, coming soon, the Armani Hotel at Burz Khalifa, the world's tallest tower and the most expensive one also.
Quotes
- “I design for real people. I think of our customers all the time. There is no virtue whatsoever in creating clothing or accessories that are not practical.”
- The world is changing and so is fashion.
- “The difference between style and fashion is quality.”
- I design for real people. I think of our customers all the time. There is no virtue whatsoever in creating clothing or accessories that are not practical.
- Remain true to yourself and your philosophy. Changing in the face of adversity will in fact diminish your credibility with your customers.
- “It's all about good taste,”
- I have always paid great attention to having brands that don’t overlap. I choose a brand for a particular market and balance my collections in terms of look, price, distribution and location.
- They have top designers but you can’t become credible overnight just on the basis of huge advertising campaigns.
- “I've always thought of the T-shirt as the Alpha and Omega of the fashion alphabet, ... The White T.”
- The best way to make a contribution in fashion is to promote the idea that a fundamental interest in preserving the environment is itself fashionable.
- “Accessories are important and becoming more and more important every day,”
- With fashion you have to renew yourself; you’re only as good as your last collection.
- “It would be very hard for me to do things somebody else's way,”
- “The products that are moving out of the stores the fastest are those that are most expensive.”
- “Actually I am very glad that people can buy Armani -- even if it's a fake. I like the fact that I'm so popular around the world.”
- I was an observer. I liked to listen rather than openly express myself. This trait is something that I've retained over the years.
- Jeans represent democracy in fashion.
Did you know?
- Armani was the first designers to ban models with a body mass index under 18.
- Armani became the first designer to broadcast a haute couture fashion show live on the Internet in January 2007.
- Armani teamed up with cell electronic device company, Samsung to make the Giorgio Armani cell phone.
- He also won the CFDA International Award in 1983.
- Forbes named him the most successful Italian designer in 2001
- Appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
- He has also designed clothing for Bobby Shrivers and Bonos RED campaign.
- He is the president of the Olimpia Milano basketball team.
- Armani has twice designed suits for the England national football team.
Family & relationships
Giorgio Armani Estates and Homes (3)
Farmhouse
Giorgio Armani owns a two-story farmhouse, located a block from the sea on the Versilia coast of Italy. This farmhouse features a living room that narrows at one end to an intimate fireside sitting area. The white panels on the walls and ceiling lend the room a nautical air. Armani himself stated that his farmhouse is “ideal for a simple, ultrarelaxing holiday shared with friends,” .Pool view
Armani's Farmhouse
Saint Moritz mansion
A person with the net worth of $ 7 billion can have holiday homes around the world and when its fashion designer Giorgio Armani a designer house is expected at least in the best of the places of world.
Location: The sought after designer owns an alpine retreat in world away from the hustle and bustle of Saint Moritz which is a is a resort town in the Engadine valley in Switzerland. This is a winter retreat in winter residence in La Punt a serene small town miles away from the busy life of Saint Moritz.
Accommodation: This is a 17th century architectural house with far more multi-ethnic interiors which creates a sense of history and formal grace. This three story home has thick shutters to protect the tiny windows and just at the front is inscribed the name of the house “Chesa Orso Bianco, or Polar Bear House, which was presented by an earlier occupant. The entire house is majorly done with wood that gives it an elegant look. The lavish living room is decked in dark brown wood with a fireplace and a taxidermy polar bear that looms in the living room (a gift, Armani says, “From someone I am very fond of”). The whole house has the mahogany beams overhead, creating a blend among the then and now aspects of the architecture while intensifying the spatial drama. The house has a Japanese-style sliding doors lining that provides way to the dining room and kitchen. The house has six bedrooms and has an extensive top-floor master suite with domed ceilings and dormer windows. The mahogany wood used in the house is treated with waterproof treatment so that the elegant interior remains as it is forever. The best part of the house is an elevated space with a barrel-vault ceiling that has a small private chapel. The house has been designed by his own team with perfection in detail.
The master bedroom
The dining hall
High ceilinged living room
Another living room
The living room
Saint Moritz mansion
The mahogany staircase
The designer's place
Antigua villa
The eminent Italian designer Giorgio Armani owns two linked villas in the scenic islands of Antigua which reflect their own sleekly graceful style. The two gorgeous villas are named Villa Serene and Villa Flower, and are sumptuously equipped with various elements conforming to the characteristic personal style of the designer and creating an ambiance of chic comfort. While Villa Flower is characterized by gray palette, shades of beige define the style of Villa Serene.
Location: Armani’s gorgeous villas are located in the Caribbean island of Antigua.
Accommodation: The Caribbean beach house features a distinct sleek design, which makes it stand apart from the other villas present on the island. The designer employed pieces from his own furniture line throughout the villa’s interiors. The prominent classic pieces used from the collection include a U shaped Grembo sofa in the living room, some lamps, accessories and textiles.
The dark-toned dining area features bright splashes of color, offering a charismatic appeal. All of the Villa’s rooms, including the elegant master bedroom were designed to maximize sea views. The guest bath features a peaked beam ceiling which enhances the notion of spaciousness inside it. Floors of the living rooms and bedrooms are clad in tatami and wood is a constant material employed throughout the elegant interiors.
Features: The dramatic Cliffside retreat incorporates a stunning design pattern which would be surely an eye candy for anyone. Armani added up his characteristic personal style to the villas by opting for louvered shutters, mosquito netting and light draperies as substitute for window glass panes. Multiple living and relaxation areas in the outdoors offer the perfect space for the designer to chit chat with his dear ones. Overlooking a gorgeous swimming pool is an outdoor dining area featuring a slot top table equipped with dishes, cutlery, and Armani designed rectangular shape bronze serving pieces.
Living area
Master bedroom
Giorgio Armani Yachts (1)
Main yacht
Armani owns a 150-foot yacht “Main” designed by Milan-based architect Giancarlo Ortelli and a team of in-house architects. Giorgio's customized yacht features a sophisticated exterior design and maximum part of the exterior painted in anthracite grey, offering it a distinctive style.
Features: The yacht features a matt black mooring rope and a classy exterior design. The superbly finished spacious interiors are marvelously adorned, exhibiting a unique blend of style and charisma. The motor yacht also includes a separate bar area and a beautiful spiral staircase. The sleek sundeck offers ample space to sunbathe and enjoy other recreational activities.
Accommodation: The luxury yacht features seven deluxe suites which include one owner cabin and six double cabins, offering comfy accommodation for maximum 14 guests. It also holds space for 14 onboard crew members to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.
Specification: The motor yacht features an aluminum superstructure and steel hull with a beam of 11.20m and draft of 3.70m. The majestic yacht has a cruising speed of 14 knots and maximum speed of 17 knots. Equipped with two powerful diesel engines, it attains a range of 6000 nm at 14 knots.
Sleek Sundeck
Giorgio Armani
Armani with Refaeli
Playing cards
Giorgio Armani Islands (1)
Skorpios Island
Giorgio Armani bought one of the most beautiful islands, the Skorpios for $190 million. It is reported heavyweights such as Roman Abramovich, Bill Gates and Madonna were also in the race to get their hands on this piece of land but Armani beat them all. Located in the Ionian Sea, off the western coast of Greece, Skorpios was the shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis and was the site of his marriage. The island also has a lavish property known as the Pink House which includes tennis courts and picturesque gardens. It was sold to Armani by Onassis's granddaughter Athina Onassis Roussel.
Greek private island
Giorgio Armani Hobbies (1)
Keen interest in sports
Giorgio Armani has a strong bending for sports since his childhood. He is a sporty and passionate person.
Giorgio Armani Autos and Cars (1)
Mercedes-Benz CLK
Giorgio Armani owns a Mercedes- Benz CLK which boasts a 500-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 along with a track-ready suspension, upgraded composite brakes, no backseat and seriously supportive front seats. This car is a perfect blend of luxury and performance.Giorgio Armani Holiday Destinations(Getaways) (1)
Island of Formentera
Giorgio Armani loves to visit the Island of Formentera in Spain to spend quality time with his friends. It has now become a holiday spot that he visits almost every year for relaxation.Giorgio Armani
Giorgio Armani Cause (3)
UNHCR
"Giorgio Armani is a supporter of UNHCR. This foundation is dedicated to protecting refugees, and solving refugee problems worldwide. "
UNICEF
Giorgio Armani is a supporter of UNICEF, which works for ensuring every child health, education, equality, and protection.
American Foundation for AIDS Research
"Giorgio Armani also supports the American Foundation for AIDS Research which is dedicated to the support of AIDS research, AIDS prevention, treatment, education and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. It is generating more than $22 million for essential AIDS research. "Giorgio Armani Brands (1)
