Giorgio Armani

Italian designer Giorgio Armani founded Giorgio Armani S.p.A. in 1975. The brand, commonly referred to as Giorgio Armani or even simply Armani, produces couture, ready-to-wear, leather goods, and accessories. Armani is especially known for its line of suits, with Armani responsible for suiting Richard Gere’s character in the 1980 movie American Gigolo. Gere’s character, decked out in Armani suits, changed the world of suiting forever. Armani’s 80s suit designs with loose, confident silhouettes and wide shoulders became known as “The Power Suit.” Armani became a household name with his designs, wardrobing the cast of Miami Vice as well Diane Keaton of Annie Hall fame.

Armani’s designs heavily influenced the look and feel of the 80s, which rose to include banker stripes, double breasted jackets, ample pleats, and distinct suspenders. Armani blazers and Armani suits worn today evoke the in-the-know casual yet refined world of opulence Armani first debuted in the 1980s. Since reaching its huge heights in the 80s, Armani has expanded its empire to include designer jeans with its aptly titled line Armani Jeans. Emporio Armani was created with a youthful active younger demographic in mind. Those looking for vintage Armani pieces might also encounter other diffusion lines such as Armani Collezioni, which offers swimwear, intimates, and accessories.