The Poor Son Of A Shipping Manager Who Invented Armani

Summary

This video delves into the fascinating journey of Giorgio Armani, from his humble beginnings as a medical student to building a global fashion empire worth $9.6 billion. It highlights his pivotal decision to abandon medicine, sell his Volkswagen Beetle, and launch his fashion line with the help of architect Sergio Galeotti. Armani's breakthrough in both European and American fashion, his Hollywood success, and the lasting impact of his luxury brand across multiple industries, including clothing, accessories, and perfumes, are central to his story of perseverance and innovation.

Takeaways

• 📅 Giorgio Armani was born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, Italy, and raised by humble parents alongside two siblings.
• 💡 Armani initially pursued a career in medicine but later abandoned it after realizing his true passion lay elsewhere.
• 👨‍⚕️ During his military service, Armani worked in a hospital, which solidified his decision to leave medicine.
• 🛍️ Armani's fashion career began when he worked as a window dresser and later as a menswear salesman at a department store in Milan.
• 👔 He joined Nino Cerruti's fashion company, Hitman, where he designed menswear and gained experience in the fashion industry.
• 🤝 In the 1960s, Armani met Sergio Galeotti, an architect who became both his business and personal partner, leading to the creation of Armani’s fashion line.
• 🚗 Armani sold his Volkswagen Beetle to fund the launch of his fashion line in 1975, with Galeotti handling administration.
• 🎬 Armani's breakthrough in the U.S. came when he designed outfits for Richard Gere in the film *American Gigolo* (1980), propelling him to Hollywood fame.
• 👗 Giorgio Armani is credited as a pioneer of red carpet fashion, becoming popular with Hollywood celebrities and the American market.
• 💔 Despite the loss of Sergio Galeotti in 1985, Armani successfully expanded his brand into luxury goods, including perfumes, accessories, and home interiors.

Q & A

What inspired Giorgio Armani to initially pursue a career in medicine?

Giorgio Armani developed an interest in human anatomy after reading A.J. Cronin's 'The Citadel,' which inspired him to pursue a career in medicine at a young age.

Why did Giorgio Armani leave his medical studies at the University of Milan?

After three years of studying medicine, Giorgio Armani began to doubt his interest in the field and ultimately suspended his studies, deciding that being a doctor was not the career path he wanted to follow.

How did Giorgio Armani’s military experience influence his career change?

During his military service, Armani worked in a hospital because of his medical background. This experience helped him realize that he was not passionate about being a doctor, leading him to abandon his medical career and explore other fields.

What was Giorgio Armani's first job after leaving the military?

After leaving the military, Giorgio Armani found a job as a window dresser at a department store called La Rinascente in Milan, which marked the beginning of his career in the fashion industry.

How did Giorgio Armani develop an interest in fashion?

While working as a window dresser and later a menswear seller at La Rinascente, Giorgio Armani developed an interest in fashion by recommending clothing to men and observing trends in the store.

Who was the key person that helped Giorgio Armani start his fashion label?

Sergio Galeotti, an architect, believed in Giorgio Armani's talent and convinced him to set up his own design office in Milan. Galeotti also helped Armani manage the administrative aspects of the business.

How did Giorgio Armani fund the launch of his fashion line?

Giorgio Armani sold his Volkswagen Beetle to fund the launch of his fashion line in 1975. His friend and business partner, Sergio Galeotti, helped manage the financial and administrative aspects of the company.

What was the significance of Armani's debut in the U.S. fashion market?

Giorgio Armani's debut in the U.S. market in 1979 marked a turning point for his brand, as his ready-to-wear collections gained widespread recognition in American fashion, boosting his global presence.

How did Giorgio Armani's association with Hollywood contribute to his brand's success?

Armani's designs for Richard Gere in 'American Gigolo' and later for the TV show 'Miami Vice' helped elevate his brand’s status in Hollywood, drawing celebrities to his red carpet designs and expanding his influence in the U.S.

What impact did Sergio Galeotti's death have on the Armani brand?

Although Giorgio Armani was devastated by the loss of his partner Sergio Galeotti in 1985, he managed to take over the administrative responsibilities and continue growing the brand, introducing new ideas to appeal to younger generations.