At the age of 90 and still actively steering his empire, Armani remains a symbol of timeless style, business acumen, and creative independence. Unlike many designers who have sold their labels to conglomerates, Armani has kept full control of his brand, proving that independence and elegance can coexist profitably.
A Modest Start to a Monumental Career
Born in 1934 in Piacenza, Italy, Giorgio Armani began his journey far from the haute couture runways. He originally enrolled in medical school but dropped out to serve in the army. A chance job at La Rinascente, a department store in Milan, introduced him to fashion, where he moved from window dressing to buyer roles. By the 1960s, Armani was designing for other labels like Nino Cerruti. In 1975, he launched the Giorgio Armani label with his partner, Sergio Galeotti. What began as a small menswear collection soon evolved into a global symbol of Italian sophistication.
Hollywood Breakthrough and Global Domination
Armani’s rise to global fame began in 1980, when actor Richard Gere wore his designs in American Gigolo. The sleek, unstructured suits revolutionized menswear and built Armani’s reputation as a designer who could merge comfort with style.
From there, Armani expanded his empire into several lines:
- Giorgio Armani (luxury line)
- Emporio Armani (youth-focused)
- Armani Exchange (accessible fashion)
- Armani Privé (haute couture)
- Armani Casa (home interiors)
- Armani Hotels (hospitality)
With licensing partnerships in beauty, eyewear, and watches, Armani’s empire generates billions annually and operates in over 40 countries.
Retaining Control and Integrity
What sets Giorgio Armani apart is his refusal to sell his brand. Unlike designers who became part of conglomerates like LVMH or Kering, Armani has retained full ownership. His choice has preserved his creative vision and allowed for brand consistency. Today, at 90, Armani still oversees all aspects of his company from design to business strategy. He has appointed trusted family members and colleagues to key roles, ensuring smooth succession planning while retaining his leadership.
Timeless Style, Modern Influence
Armani’s influence isn’t limited to fashion. His brand is a lifestyle, a minimalist yet luxurious aesthetic reflected in architecture, hotels, perfumes, and even superyachts. Celebrities such as Cate Blanchett, Leonardo DiCaprio, Beyoncé, and Christian Bale have proudly worn Armani on red carpets around the world. Even as trends evolve, Armani’s designs remain relevant, anchored in clean lines, quality fabrics, and neutral palettes. His latest collections still draw critical acclaim, and his brand continues to grow without compromising its identity.
Conclusion
With a net worth of $11.8 billion in 2025, Giorgio Armani stands not only as a fashion titan but also as a paragon of dignity, discipline, and enduring taste. His story is one of visionary leadership, building a fashion house that thrives without selling out. In an era dominated by noise and trend-chasing, Armani’s empire is a reminder that refinement, restraint, and self-control are the ultimate luxuries.