The Father of Modern Elegance: How Giorgio Armani Changed Fashion
On September 4th, Giorgo Armani, one of the most distinguished and prolific designers, died at the age of 91. The talented Italian forever changed the face of contemporary fashion – first by deconstructing the classic jacket, and then, over the decades, proving that style is not about over-the-top ostentation and following seasonal trends, but rather about fidelity to quality and timeless cuts. His designs remain synonymous with luxury, casual chic, and understated elegance in a modern setting.
Armani's influence on contemporary fashion is invaluable. When he presented his debut collection, he immediately captured the attention of the industry press. His minimalist designs, maintained in a neutral color palette, stood in stark contrast to the competition at the time, which emphasized opulence and over-the-top maximalism. It was not without reason that the designer's motto was:
- The essence of style is simplicity in saying something complex; adding self-confidence but not defining personality.
"I've never had anything to do with fashion, which is driven by the press or identified with the trends of a given season. People come back to me because they appreciate the spirit of my designs," he noted in an interview.
Giorgio Armani is planning a succession in his fashion house/photo: ShutterstockWe owe Armani primarily for revolutionizing the approach to formal, formal attire. In the 1970s , suits, with their thick shoulder pads and stiffened lapels, restricted movement, leaving little room for fashion creativity.
The designer freed the silhouette from these limitations by introducing jackets made of soft fabrics, with changed proportions and button positions, and without the previous stiffening.
Thanks to him , the suit became synonymous not only with elegance, but also with lightness.
"His deconstruction of the suit can be compared to Dior's revolution in women's wear with the 'New Look.' He changed office aesthetics forever," the Financial Times wrote about him years ago.
It is not without reason that Armani was called the "Father of Modern Elegance" and even the "King of Fashion".
Giorgio Armani during a fashion shoot in 1980 / Getty ImagesA milestone in his career came with his collaboration with the creators of the cult thriller "American Gigolo" in 1980. He designed the famous suit for Richard Gere, who played the lead role, for the film. This brought the talented Italian to international attention.
He was also responsible for designing costumes for theater, opera, and dance performances. He was one of the first designers to have his creations appear on the red carpet.
One of Armani's most iconic dresses is the one worn by Gwyneth Paltrow at the 1999 Oscars. He also dressed Christian Bale in the cult thriller "American Psycho," Jodie Foster in the acclaimed "Silence of the Lambs," and Leonardo DiCaprio in "The Wolf of Wall Street."
Giorgio Armani Privé 2005–2025 exhibition - a retrospective journey through the master's haute couture. Photo: Press materials / Stefano Guindani / Armani/SilosOver time, the fluidity in Armani's designs stemmed not only from the idea of deconstruction itself but also from the clever use of lightweight fabrics like silk and chiffon. He eschewed sharp cuts in favor of flowing, soft lines. His work symbolized a pursuit of comfort and functionality , while embracing elegant pragmatism.
"Armani gave women armor that was elegant but devoid of aggression. Thanks to his designs, they no longer had to prove their strength with flashy clothes," Vogue magazine once said.
PAP Life / Iwona Oszmaniec
