Giorgio Armani's exceptional status as a designer can be attributed to his focus on dressing "real people".
Giorgio Armani: A Tribute to a Fashion Pioneer
In a poignant tribute, Giorgio Armani, the legendary fashion designer, paid homage to his teammates and customers in his memoirs, "Per Amore." The book serves as a manifesto and a comprehensive account of the factors that propelled him to the highest ranks of the fashion industry.
Armani's contribution to the fashion world was significant. He challenged the conventional wisdom that classicism and modernism are diametrically opposed, instead arguing that they are essentially the same if one doesn't follow fleeting trends. This philosophy was evident in his groundbreaking designs, which sought to redefine the suit, a staple of men's fashion.
In 1965, Armani revolutionized men's fashion by designing a jacket with the suppleness of a cardigan and the lightness of a shirt. This innovative design marked the beginning of a new era in menswear, where the suit was no longer just clothing for businessmen, but a true object of desire. Armani reinterpreted the suit, making it fashion and a symbol of a young, dynamic man's desire to break away from the old worldview and express a tender masculinity.
Armani's early designs, characterized by elegant, neutral-toned looks and relaxed fits, have become a rich source of inspiration. Their influences are unmistakable and ubiquitous in the "Old Money Aesthetic" and designs from various fashion brands. The "Old Money Aesthetic" is characterized by elegant, neutral-toned looks and relaxed fits, with Armani's designs being a significant influence.
The reissue of "Per Amore" couldn't have come at a better time, as appreciation for Armani's early creations, particularly designs from the late 80s and early 90s, has skyrocketed. The Stealth Wealth luxury purveyors, The Row, and savvy zeitgeist experts like Jerry Lorenzo are among those who have Armani designs on their mood boards.
Armani's design process today is guided by a rigorous method of subtraction and rationalization, marked by a healthy skepticism towards fashion trends. This approach has allowed him to remain relevant and influential in the ever-evolving world of fashion.
Giorgio Armani's life, including his humble childhood in Italy, rapid success in Milan, and metamorphosis into a global giant, could be considered first-rate Oscar material. His passing, announced by the Armani Group, marks the end of an era in fashion. However, his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the timeless designs he created.
