Giorgio Armani in Venice: Career, Design Philosophy, and Legacy
Giorgio Armani recently celebrated his 89th birthday, yet his passion and energy for fashion remain undiminished. In this exclusive interview with FashionNetwork.com, Armani reflects on his iconic career, the essence of his brand, and shares his candid thoughts on the world of fashion.
Why Venice for «One Night Only»? Venice was chosen as the location for Armani’s «One Night Only» event due to its unique character and global appeal. The city’s rich history, romance, and beauty provide an ideal backdrop for this prestigious gathering.
Venice’s Charms Venice is renowned for its extraordinary atmosphere and captivating beauty. It holds a special place in the hearts of many for its history and romantic allure, making it an iconic Italian destination.
Defining the Armani DNA Armani’s design philosophy centers on simplicity and essentialism. His brand’s DNA is characterized by elegance, sophistication, and timeless style.
The Armani Man and Woman Armani’s clientele seeks timeless style that transcends fleeting trends. His designs empower individuals to enhance their character and embrace confidence and sophistication.
Enduring Energy and Inspiration Armani’s boundless energy and passion drive him to continually explore new horizons. His inspiration derives from diverse sources, including imagination, memories, people, and extensive research.
Favorite Collections Armani highlights several standout collections, including those from 1979 that influenced the iconic style of Richard Gere in «American Gigolo.» He also mentions the 1981 collection inspired by Japanese painter Utamaro and the recent Autumn/Winter 2022 collection influenced by Art Déco.
Armani’s Impact on Cinema Armani’s close association with Hollywood and cinema has enabled him to contribute his designs to over 250 films. Actors and directors appreciate his creations for their ability to exude confidence and elegance on the red carpet.
Advice for Aspiring Designers Armani’s advice to young designers is to follow their vision with unwavering passion and authenticity. Hard work and dedication are essential for success in the competitive world of fashion.
From Modest Beginnings to Fashion Icon Armani’s journey from a humble background to a fashion icon began when he discovered his innate design sense while working at Milan’s prestigious La Rinascente department store. His commitment to making tailored clothing modern and comfortable set him on his remarkable path.
The Expansive Armani Lifestyle Armani’s brand extends beyond fashion into fragrance, beauty products, interior decoration, residences, hotels, restaurants, cafés, nightclubs, and more, offering customers a complete Armani lifestyle.
Respect for Fellow Designers Armani expresses admiration for designers like Coco Chanel, Nino Cerruti, Jean Paul Gaultier, Dries Van Noten, Hedi Slimane, Giambattista Valli, and Paul Smith. He values their distinctive styles and independent spirits.
Armani’s Century-Long Vision Armani envisions his brand in a century as a collection that continues to enhance the wearer’s style with elegance and comfort. Sustainability is a core focus, both in product development and corporate responsibility.
Armani’s commitment to environmental initiatives and research to protect the Venetian Lagoon underscores his dedication to sustainability and responsible luxury.
