The fashion world mourns the loss of Giorgio Armani, a designer who revolutionized menswear in the 1980s by introducing relaxed, unstructured suits that brought unprecedented comfort and style to men’s clothing. Armani’s influence surged through popular culture, particularly after the success of the 1980 film American Gigolo, directed by Paul Schrader and featuring Richard Gere and Lauren Hutton. This film helped cement Armani’s designs as iconic symbols of modern sophistication.
Armani’s Reign Over the Red Carpet
As the importance of red carpet appearances grew over the following decade, Giorgio Armani became the dominant force in dressing celebrities for high-profile events. His name became synonymous with red carpet elegance, where wearing his creations was often seen as a symbol of prestige and even a good luck charm. Cate Blanchett, a frequent wearer of Armani on the red carpet, demonstrated this when she won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2014 for Blue Jasmine, wearing a precious gown embellished with jewels by Armani. Blanchett’s ongoing relationship with the brand eventually led her to become an Armani Global Ambassador, embodying the brand’s essence through her grace and intelligence.
Personal Connections Behind the Designs
In a conversation with The Guardian, Giorgio Armani emphasized the importance of building genuine relationships with the individuals he dressed for red carpet events. He stated,
For me, it is only meaningful to work on red carpet events if I can build a relationship with the people I dress. If Jodie, Michelle, Julia, Sharon, Sean, Robert, Claudia, Sophia, Cate and Isabelle have remained faithful and regular customers to this day, it’s because our bond emerged spontaneously out of affinities of taste and character, and grew from there. I could never dress a man or a woman, famous or not, who I didn’t feel to be in tune with what I do.
This statement highlights how Armani’s success was deeply rooted in mutual respect and understanding between the designer and his clients, including legendary friends and frequent collaborators.
Enduring Influence and Cultural Significance
From reshaping menswear to dominating red carpet culture, Giorgio Armani’s legacy is monumental. His innovative approach not only changed fashion but also forged lasting relationships with celebrated figures like Cate Blanchett and Richard Gere. The 2001 Giorgio Armani exhibition at the Guggenheim, attended by Armani alongside Gere and Carey Lowell, further showcased the designer’s enduring cultural impact. As the fashion world reflects on his contributions, Armani’s influence will continue to inspire designers and celebrities alike, preserving his place as a pivotal figure in modern style and red carpet history.
