Giorgio Armani was born 11 July 1934 in Piacenza, Italy. He originally trained in medicine, then gave it up to pursue photography, before being called up for national service in 1957. He then worked in a department store, La Rinascente, as a window dresser. From 1961 to 1970, Armani worked as a designer in well-known fashion house Nino Cerruti, after which he left to pursue freelance work. In 1974, with assistance from his partner, Sergio Galeotti, he established his own company, Giorgio Armani S.p.A. with a menswear label, introducing a ladies' wear line in 1975. He is known today for his clean, tailored lines. He achieved his international breakthrough by tailoring for numerous Hollywood names and especially for Richard Gere in the title role of American Gigolo in 1980/81. His sister Rosanna Armani joined him in the company; Galeotti died in 1985.

In 1996, Armani was one of several designers convicted of corruption.

In 2001, Forbes magazine named Giorgio Armani the most successful designer out of Italy, estimating his net worth at $1.7 billion.

In 2002, he was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

In 2006, he designed the outfits worn by participants bringing in the Italian flag at the 2006 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Italy.

Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Giorgio Armani (subscribers see complete biographies — view sample) CFO Paolo Fontanelli EVP, Worldwide Communications Robert Triefus