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.
Until his passing in 2025, Armani was still designing ready-to-wear collections, and the luxury house had also 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 Giorgio Armani clothing on 1stDibs.
1990s Vintage Gilded Metal Bracelet by Giorgio Armani
By Giorgio Armani
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This vintage Giorgio Armani bracelet is a striking and unique piece, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and timeless style. The bracelet features an intricate design composed of sm...
Carrera Y Carrera 18KT YG Diamond 1.34Ct. Hand Bangle Bracelet
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in New York, NY
Carrera Y Carrera has built its its famous name on figurative designs, an obsession with surface finishes, and a compelling way of seeing beauty in art and nature. This 18 karat yellow gold bracelet is a perfect example of Carrera's iconic designs. The bracelet features two very detailed hands in the sandblasted yellow gold finish, which is a beautiful contrast to the high polish of the bangle. The delicately scalloped wrist cuffs are of 18 kt white gold and are set with round brilliant pave diamonds. Total diamond weight is 0.21 carats. Each hand is holding a pear shaped diamond totaling 1.13 carats. The bracelet has a hidden clasp on its side with an extra figure 8 safety clasp. The inside of the bracelet is stamped with the CYC logo and 750. Serial # 107879 This bracelet is part of Carrera's original "Los Manos...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Lapis Lazuli Cabochon Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
Bracelet in 18 karat yellow gold. Magnificent retro gold bracelet, it is made of gold semicircle motifs articulated between them retaining on top a lapis lazuli cabochon closed set ....
Diamond, White Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Double Pearl Strand with Cluster Clasp Gold Bracelet
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Double Strand 6.5mm Pearl Bracelet. Centering a Pearl Cluster Clasp, Hand crafted in 18k Yellow Gold. Bracelet measures approx. 7.25” long. More Beautiful i...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Collector 1950s Platinum Diamond Cocktail Wristwatch, Swiss Movement
Located in London, GB
A sophisticated retro 1950s platinum diamond cocktail watch featuring a Swiss mechanical hand-wind movement. The off-white dial with go...
Diamond, Platinum
Genuine Roman coin 2nd century BC depicting the Goddess Roma silver bracelet
Located in Roma, IT
This 925 sterling silver bracelet features an authentic silver coin dating back to the 2nd century BC, adorned with a depiction of the Goddess Roma. The coin also showcases the Diosc...
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1950's Henry Bogaff Amber Brown Swarovski Rhinestone Bracelet
By Henry Bogoff
Located in North Miami, FL
This timeless vintage 1950's Swarovski rhinestone bracelet is so well made by Henry Bogoff that it looks real. It is signed Bogoff. These amber/...
Rhodium
Trifari Retro Topaz Demiparure
By Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful Trifari gold washed sterling silver retro demiparure circa 1940. Can be worn as bracelet and necklace or as an extra long necklace. Superb quality 1940s USA. Excellent condition necklace 15 inches...
Sterling Silver
Bi-Color Black and Yellow Laminated Acrylic Lucite Bracelet Bangle, a trio
Located in Atlanta, GA
These striking bracelet bangles are crafted in glossy acrylic Lucite and composed of alternating domed spacers and medium‑sized laminated pieces, creating a rhythmic, architectural s...
Chanel Gold Cuff Bracelet, Circa 1991, Rigid Link Design, France
By Chanel
Located in CACHAN, FR
Very beautiful large rigid link cuff type bracelet. Fall winter parade 1991. Rare and sought-after model. Has slight discreet scratches and a small hole in the very discreet bracelet...
Art Deco Bakelite Bracelet Bangle BlueMoon with Carving
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a stunning green bluemoon marble Bakelite carved bracelet. The bangle features a chunky, oversized, domed shape with a geometric carving design around it. The rare color is a...
Retro Style 14 Karat Yellow Gold 1950s Style Charm Bracelet with Custom Links
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
1950's Retro style bracelet in 14 karat yellow gold has an artful intricate link design of hand woven gold links that are meticulously framed with gold roping. Wildly popular mid-ce...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
LJM Signed Gold Lapis Filigree Bracelet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Our LJM signed filigree bracelet from the 1970s takes center stage, and is the perfect anchor for any look.The gold against the strong lapis setting is the perfect combination.It has...