In 1981, Italian designer Giorgio Armani launched Emporio Armani, a diffusion line focused on younger buyers. The line is known to today's '80s and '90s fashion lovers for its striking eyewear, suits, watches and more, and Emporio Armani's visually bold campaigns have featured the likes of Rihanna, Victoria Beckham, Rafael Nadal and other popular figures.
Fashion may be a fluid industry that evolves with the times, but few designers were gutsy enough to break with the norms and endeavor to revolutionize it the way Piacenza, Italy, native Giorgio Armani did.
When he established his brand with his personal and professional partner, architect Sergio Galeotti, in 1975, Armani created jackets, evening dresses and other clothing that sharply departed from the form-fitting designs that his competitors were producing.
Working with a subdued color palette and light fabrics, Armani instead pioneered power dressing. By the early 1980s, the designer was lauded for his sleek but relaxed-fit shirts in washed greens and beige tones for men and elegant, broad-shouldered suits for career-minded women. His collections were intended to fit naturally but confer a sense of confidence on the wearer, and the designs were just as luxurious as the garments that were gliding down Milanese catwalks at the time.
Armani, a shipping manager’s son, spent his childhood wanting to become a doctor, and he even studied medicine briefly at the University of Milan before dropping out and joining the army. In the late 1950s, he was hired as a window dresser at the Milan department store La Rinascente before moving into the role of menswear buyer. When he realized that his calling was in fashion design, not buying, he left La Rinascente to train at Nino Cerruti’s atelier and eventually began to take on what became a wealth of freelance design work.
At Galeotti’s urging, Armani opened his own design office in 1973, and two years later, he established his eponymous label of ready-to-wear for both men and women that challenged fashion’s traditional silhouettes and the conventions of tailoring.
“I was the first to soften the image of men and harden the image of women,” Armani has said of his early years. The designer dressed men in soft textures such as silk and linen that were traditionally relegated to feminine garments and designed power suits for women — an audacious and undeniably androgynous take on high fashion that was well received by critics. He won the Neiman Marcus Fashion Award in 1979 and launched a diffusion line called Armani Collezioni that year. While his collections for men and women gained legions of admirers in Europe, it wasn’t until the premiere of the film American Gigolo — featuring heartthrob Richard Gere exclusively outfitted in a crisp, sleek and sexy Armani wardrobe — that the brand took off in the United States.
Today, Armani is still designing ready-to-wear collections, and the luxury house has expanded over the years into home decor, hospitality and more. In February 2020, at the onset of the Covid-19 crisis, Armani was the first fashion house to close its runway shows to the public in order to limit exposure. In early 2022, the brand was among the first to cancel men’s and haute couture shows scheduled in January.
Find vintage Emporio Armani clothing, eyewear and accessories on 1stDibs.
Iris Apfel Estate Personal Emporio Armani Lizard Brooch Pin Black Gemstone
By EMPORIO ARMANI
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a magnificent Armani treasure from the personal wardrobe of the legendary style icon Iris Apfel. We have her absolutely fabulous Emporio Armani lizard on a black faux diam...
Gilt Metal
$1,816Sale Price|26% Off
Emporio Armani 18K Gold Crystal Pendant Earrings, Early 20th Century
By EMPORIO ARMANI
Located in New York, NY
A Modern Touch of Italian Glamour Enhance your jewelry collection with these Emporio Armani 18K Gold and Crystal Pendant Earrings, combining sleek Italian design and refined luxury....
Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unique Pearl Starburst Pin Brooch In 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This pearl pin is made of 14K yellow gold and weighs 4.30 DWT (approx. 6.69 grams). It contains 17 round pearls.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Ruby Gold Lizard Pin Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful 14k white gold pin features sparkling old mine cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.50ct. graded F color with VS1 clarity. The diam...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Turquoise Ruby and Diamond Falcon Pin Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning Victorian turquoise and 0.08 carat ruby, 0.06 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, silver set brooch with 15k gold pins; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impressive has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a silver setting, and 15k yellow gold pins. One of the pins is ornamented with a silver setting to the upper border, modelled in the form of a three dimensional falcon. The falcon is embellished with a total of one hundred and thirty-nine pavé set cabochon cut turquoise. The bird's eyes and beak are accented with two bezel set rubies and two pavé set diamonds. The matching pin is ornamented with a French knot style 18k yellow gold motif to the upper border. The pin brooches connect via two spiga style chains. This antique Victorian brooch has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 18k gold and silver set, with 15k gold pins. The brooch is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card. Images do not always reflect the true color and brilliance of gemstones and diamonds. The video however provides a truer representation of the actual color and showcases each stone. Condition This stunning antique Victorian bird brooch is exceptional quality set with rubies, diamonds and turquoise. The brooch is an exceptional gauge of gold and is in excellent condition. Gemstone Quality Turquoise Quality Color Turquoise Cut Cabochon Ruby Quality Color Red Cut Cabochon Content 0.08 carat Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) SI2 Cut Old Mine Content (total) 0.06 carat Dimensions Length of Falcon Setting 2.8cm/1.1" Width of Falcon Setting 9.25mm/0.36" Length of Falcon Pin...
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Freeform Leaf Brooch or Pin
Located in Manhasset, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Free Form Leaf Brooch / Pin 3.60 grams total weight.
14k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Floral Pin or Brooch Having Two Diamonds
Located in Manhasset, NY
18Kt Yellow Gold Floral Pin / Brooch Having Two Diamonds. Total diamond weight .80. Brooch measures 30.12 mm diameter. Having a Florentine. Provenance: A New Canaan CT lady. Bette...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco 0.5 Carat Old European Cut Diamond with Black Onyx Brooch Pin
Located in Addison, TX
Here we have a excellent example of an Art Deco era brooch! This genuine 1920's brooch features a brilliant 0.5 Carat Old European cut diamond...
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
$460Sale Price|20% Off
1980s GIORGIO ARMANI Grey and Creme Large Fish Brooch Pin with Rhinestones
By Giorgio Armani
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage GIORGIO ARMANI enamel and metal Large Fish Brooch with rhinestones.
Enamel
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and timeless, these authentic Cartier earrings are crafted in luminous 18K yellow gold, exemplifying the refined craftsmanship for which the maison is renowned. The sleek, el...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mid-Century Architectural Column Earrings 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Orlando, FL
Specifications & Description... • Metal: 18k yellow gold • Design: Triple-column motif with hand-engraved texture • Mechanism: Retractable posts with fancy omega backs (for pierc...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Gold Brooch Vintage Cat Pin Gemstones
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This cat brooch has a charming, lifelike quality. The matte gold finish gives the cat a soft appearance, as if it's been captured mid-pose. Its slender body and gracefully curved tai...
18k Gold
Mid-20th Century 18K Yellow Gold Garnet Drop Earrings, Italy
Located in Rotterdam, NL
A pair of vintage 18 karat gold garnet earrings, beautifully reflecting the artistry and romantic spirit of Italian jewelry design. Crafted in Italy in the mid-20th century, these e...
Garnet, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Hollow Lizard Vintage Pin Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 14K yellow gold hollow lizard pin, crafted with smooth polished detail and stamped 14K. Measures approximately 1.75" in length. Weighs 4.0 grams. A playful yet elegant anim...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
EMPORIO ARMANI Necklace Silver & Black Sterling Silver Leather Chain
By EMPORIO ARMANI
Located in San Francisco, CA
Emporio Armani Necklace consists of 'Sterling Silver' and leather material in a silver and black color tone. Designed with section cut-off that...
Sterling Silver