The news of Giorgio Armani’s death shook the fashion world, with designers, models, actors, and prominent business figures taking to praise the designer’s impressive legacy. The archetype of elegant and minimalist style, the creator and driver of the Armani fashion house was famous for designing timeless pieces that could be worn for decades. Giorgio Armani’s contribution to fashion and art in general is undisputable, as he was one of the first designers to embrace the idea that these two worlds could be merged.

What Is Giorgio Armani’s Contribution to Fashion?

Giorgio Armani entered the fashion scene in the 1960s. In 1975, when haute couture clothes were inaccessible for most people, he launched his own luxury label. His craftsmanship and vision helped design clothes that could be manufactured at scale and worn by the middle class. Armani was also the first to spot a unique opportunity to fill the gap in office clothes, becoming a pioneer of suit tailoring for women and men that combined fashion and comfort. His elegantly tailored suits for women became particularly popular, as they managed to exude both power and femininity. As such, they were a reflection of the changing role of women in business and society in general.

A Balance Between Luxury and Affordability

Armani’s clothes are some of the most iconic pieces worn to the Oscars. He dressed A-level stars on the red carpet, including Julia Roberts, Winona Ryder, and Cate Blanchett. Giorgio Armani’s footprint in cinema should also be mentioned, as he designed costumes for dozens of movies and television shows, including “The Untouchables” and the popular TV series “Miami Vice.”

As Armani’s brand gained international acclaim, the founder moved to extend it. Projects such as Armani Jeans and Emporio Armani, as well as an accessory line including sportswear and glasses, made Armani’s pieces accessible to a wider audience.

How Did Armani Affect the Art World?

Giorgio Armani’s contribution to the art world is no less significant. The designer argued that art is an inspiration for fashion and vice versa, which is clearly reflected in his Haute Couture collections, exhibiting the immaculate art of craftsmanship and savoir-faire. Armani’s creations have been exhibited at museums as examples of the most sophisticated design. One of the most notable displays was held at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, where celebrated designers and artists analyzed the scope of Armani’s achievement and his social and cultural impact.