Giorgio Armani: Tailored to Perfection April 19 2022

Let’s face it: there’s really nothing more attractive than a perfectly tailored anything—a dress, a suit, a blouse, pair of pants.  When it comes to tailoring, Giorgio Armani is perhaps the best of all, and we all know it.  After all, he’s been doing it—and doing it well—for more than 40 years.

Armani was born in 1934 in Piacenza, Italy, a town which was bombed during World War II, when Mussolini was in power. His parents were both affiliated with the Fascist party—his father worked as a clerk at the party’s local headquarters, and his mother organized summer camps for party member’s children.  His grandfather worked as a wigmaker for the local theater, and the influence of not only attending performances but black-and-white movies of the time proved to be influential on his future career.

Richard Gere, wearing Armani, in American Gigolo.

Before becoming involved in the fashion world, Armani enrolled in medical school at the University of Milan. He left school before graduating and enlisted in the army, where he was assigned to Verona’s Military Hospital.  After leaving service, he found work as a window dresser at a department store in Milan, eventually working his way to becoming a sales rep in the menswear department.  In the 1960s Armani moved into designing when he started working for Cerruti as a menswear designer.

Cate Blanchett, wearing velvet Armani overalls.

He left Cerruti and launched his own menswear label in 1974—a womenswear collection came just a year later. In 1980 he famously dressed Richard Gere in well-tailored and precise suits in American Gigolo.  The designer’s  late start to the fashion world—his label was launched when he was 40 years old—has been more than made up for in terms of creativity and success. Although originally known for his menswear line, the Armani label has since branched out to include leather goods, watches, sunglasses, jewelry, cosmetics, home furnishings, and a whole host of subsidiary companies like Armani Exchange and Emporio Armani.

Armani silver velvet jacket, for sale at Rice and Beans Vintage.

Whatever the occasion, choosing Armani seems to be a logical choice for everyone—the Armani influence has been seen on celebrities and the movers and shakers of the period for decades, and it really is no wonder. Want your own piece of vintage Armani?  Visit the Rice and Beans Vintage website or contact us today for information on our personal shopping services!

 

Written by Heather Cox for Rice and Beans Vintage.