GIORGIO ARMANI

Net worth: $9.6 billion

Giorgio Armani is an iconic Italian fashion designer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who has amassed his fortune through the creation of his eponymous fashion empire.

Armani has become synonymous with high-end, luxurious clothing and accessories, while also expanding into various other ventures such as home furnishings, restaurants, and hotels.

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FORTUNE

Giorgio Armani's net worth of $9.6 billion comes from his ownership of the Armani brand and various investments. His financial portfolio includes real estate, with a number of properties around the world, as well as a vast art collection, which includes works by renowned artists such as Picasso and Modigliani.

NEGATIVE THINGS LUMINARIES HAVE SAID ABOUT HIM

1. "He is an example of the arrogance of the fashion world." - Karl Lagerfeld, British Vogue, September 2011
2. "Giorgio's clothes are the epitome of dullness and lack of imagination." - Alexander McQueen, New York Times, August 1997
3. "Armani represents the decline of Italian fashion." - Roberto Cavalli, WWD, September 2014
4. "His fashion is for people who lack personality and want to hide behind a label." - Miuccia Prada, Vanity Fair, October 2010
5. "His designs are predictable and uninspired." - Vivienne Westwood, The Guardian, April 2005

POSITIVE THINGS LUMINARIES HAVE SAID ABOUT HIM

1. "Armani has created an empire of timeless elegance." - Donatella Versace, Vogue Italia, December 2013
2. "Giorgio has a way of making people feel important and beautiful in his clothes." - Tom Ford, GQ, April 2010
3. "His fashion is the epitome of refined luxury." - Oscar de la Renta, Harper's Bazaar, November 2012
4. "Armani's designs are classic and enduring." - Ralph Lauren, Elle Magazine, February 2009
5. "He is a pioneer and has set the standard for modern luxury fashion." - Calvin Klein, The Financial Times, May 2011

HOW HE GOT STARTED

Giorgio Armani started his career in fashion as a window dresser and menswear buyer for La Rinascente, a well-known Italian department store. He later joined the fashion house Nino Cerruti, where he gained experience in designing menswear.

In 1975, Armani founded his own company with his partner Sergio Galeotti, releasing his first collection of men's and women's clothing that same year.

HIS BIG BREAK

Armani's big break came in 1980 when he was asked to design the wardrobe for Richard Gere in the film "American Gigolo." This catapulted his brand into the spotlight, and his designs became synonymous with understated elegance and sophistication.

WHEN HE CAME OUT

Giorgio Armani came out as bisexual in a 2000 interview with Vanity Fair. He explained that he had relationships with both men and women throughout his life. The news was received without much shock, as Armani's personal life had long been a subject of speculation. His business associates and the public largely accepted and supported his openness about his sexuality.

RELATIONSHIP STATUS

Armani's most notable relationship was with his business partner, Sergio Galeotti, who tragically passed away in 1985. Since then, Armani has kept his personal relationships private.

LGBT PHILANTHROPY

Giorgio Armani has been actively involved in various LGBT-related philanthropies. He has supported amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, by regularly participating in charity events and auctions. Additionally, Armani has made significant contributions to The Trevor Project, a national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth.

CONTROVERSIES

1. Armani's Comments on Body Image: In a 2009 interview with the Telegraph, Armani stated that people should "eat less" to fit into his clothes. His comments were criticized for promoting unhealthy body standards and perpetuating a dangerous diet culture.
2. Olympic Uniform Controversy: For the 2012 London Olympics, Armani designed the uniforms for the Italian national team. However, controversy arose when it was discovered that the uniforms were made in Turkey instead of Italy, causing an outcry over outsourcing and national pride.
3. Fur-Free Policy Backlash: In 2016, Armani announced that his company would stop using fur in its designs. While many praised the decision, some animal rights activists accused Armani of hypocrisy, as the company still used leather and other animal-derived materials in its products.

LITTLE KNOWN FACTS

• Armani originally studied medicine before pursuing a career in fashion.
• He has a keen interest in sports, particularly soccer, and is a part-owner of the Olimpia Milano basketball team.
• Armani designed the Italian flag bearers' outfits for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin.

SPEECHES

In a speech at the 2014 amfAR Gala, Armani spoke passionately about his commitment to the fight against AIDS:

"For me, the fight against AIDS is deeply personal. We have lost so many talented individuals to this disease, and it breaks my heart to think of the potential that was lost. I believe that it is our duty as human beings to come together and work towards finding a cure for AIDS. That is why I stand with amfAR, and why I will continue to lend my support to their tireless efforts."

BOOKS

Giorgio Armani has authored several books, including:

1. "Giorgio Armani" (2000) - A comprehensive look at his career, designs, and personal life.
2. "Armani Backstage" (2007) - A behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of Armani fashion shows.
3. "The World of Armani" (2011) - An exploration of the global impact of the Armani brand.

DOCUMENTARIES

"Made in Milan" (1990) is a documentary that explores the life and career of Giorgio Armani, featuring interviews with the designer and a glimpse into his creative process.

QUOTES ATTRIBUTED TO GIORGIO ARMANI

1. "Elegance is not about being noticed; it's about being remembered." - Harper's Bazaar, September 2011
2. "To create something exceptional, your mindset must be relentlessly focused on the smallest detail." - The Telegraph, April 2012
3. "The difference between style and fashion is quality." - Vogue Italia, June 2008
4. "I've always thought of the T-shirt as the alpha and omega of the fashion alphabet." - GQ, March 2009
5. "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." - Elle Magazine, November 2010