5 striking facts about Giorgio Armani: Supported Ukraine and once studied medicine
Interesting facts about Giorgio Armani (photo: Getty Images)
On September 4 it became known about the death of Giorgio Armani – the iconic fashion designer. During his life he became a significant figure, although he had not planned to enter the world of fashion when he was young.
RBC-Ukraine has collected for you 5 facts about Armani that will impress many.
Studied medicine and worked in a military hospital
Before fashion, Armani had completely different plans. He entered the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Milan but dropped out when he realized it was not his calling. However, he managed to work as an orderly in a military hospital, where he gained experience that he describes as one of the hardest in his life.
Little-known facts about Giorgio Armani (photo: Getty Images)
Began his career working in a department store
Armani took his first steps in the fashion world at the Milan department store La Rinascente. There he worked on window displays and in the purchasing department, which gave him an understanding of the fashion market and customer tastes. It was there that he first felt he wanted to connect his life with clothing.
Giorgio Armani with models (photo: Getty Images)
Made a loud statement thanks to the film American Gigolo
The real breakthrough came in 1980, when the main character of the film, Richard Gere, appeared on screen wearing Armani suits. This made the Giorgio Armani brand a symbol of a new approach to men’s fashion – stylish, soft, and at the same time elegant. After that, the whole world started talking about him.
Lauren Hutton, Richard Gere and Giorgio Armani (photo: Getty Images)
Publicly declared himself bisexual
Armani rarely spoke about personal matters, but in interviews he repeatedly called himself bisexual. His most important partner was architect Sergio Galeotti, with whom he founded the company Giorgio Armani S.p.A. in 1975. After Galeotti's death in 1985 from AIDS, the designer continued to develop the business, dedicating many of his achievements to him.
Supported Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale war
When Russia launched its war against Ukraine in 2022, Giorgio Armani became one of the first designers to openly condemn the attack. He donated 500,000 euros and basic clothing for Ukrainian refugees. His fashion house also held a show in Milan in complete silence – without music, as a sign of solidarity with Ukraine.
