When Armani hits the red carpet, it’s impossible to miss. For decades, the brand has been a Hollywood favorite, dressing stars like Diane Keaton in her iconic menswear-inspired looks, Lady Gaga in unforgettable gowns, and Julia Roberts with her signature effortless elegance. Each time an artist wears an Armani piece, there's often a huge chance of them landing on the best dressed list.
Armani’s connection to cinematic glamour goes way back, with a reputation for being a pioneer in red-carpet dressing and styling A-listers for their on-screen appearances. Wondering how the brand made its mark and what sets its sub-brands apart? Let’s take a closer look at its journey and the unique offerings of each line.
A Quick Look at Armani’s History
Giorgio Armani and Sergio Galeotti founded the brand in Milan in 1975, starting with a revolutionary menswear collection that replaced stiff tailoring with a softer, more relaxed style. By 1976, Armani began incorporating womenswear into their collections, offering minimalist sophistication to a growing audience.
Armani’s big break came in 1978 with a partnership with Gruppo Finanziario Tessile, allowing mass production and international expansion. Hollywood became a key player in Armani’s rise, with Richard Gere famously wearing the brand in American Gigolo in 1980—a move that cemented Armani’s reputation as a fashion staple in film and on the red carpet. Over the years, the brand expanded its scope, branching out into beauty, fragrances, home goods, dining, and even hotels, transforming Armani into a full-fledged lifestyle empire.
Armani’s Sub-Brands
If you’ve ever wondered what separates Armani’s many lines, here’s a quick breakdown:
Armani Privé
On top of the Armani hierarchy is Armani Privé. This is the haute couture line, featuring one-of-a-kind, custom-made designs often spotted on Hollywood favorites like Megan Fox and Cate Blanchett. Think exclusive, red-carpet-ready luxury.
Giorgio Armani
As the flagship line of Armani, Giorgio Armani is the heart of the brand. This is where Armani’s signature tailoring and minimalist designs shine through—perfect for those looking for refined elegance.
Emporio Armani
Targeting a younger, trendier crowd, Emporio Armani offers stylish, ready-to-wear pieces with a modern edge. It’s more relaxed but still carries the brand’s signature refinement.
Armani Exchange (A|X)
Designed for a casual, urban audience, Armani Exchange leans into streetwear-inspired designs at more accessible price points, making it ideal for everyday fashion.
Armani's Most Iconic Fashion Moments
1. Armani's Red Carpet Debut
Armani made its red carpet debut in 1978 when he dressed Diane Keaton for the 50th Academy Awards. While most female actresses at the time were wearing gowns, Armani styled the Annie Hall actress in a beige suit jacket over a white button-down and a pleated maxi skirt. "Someone like Diane had a completely different idea of what the image of stardom should be – she wanted to be a relatable person first, a star second," Armani told Grazia.
2. Julia Roberts Wearing a Giorgio Armani Suit at the 1990 Golden Globes
Julia Roberts wearing a Giorgio Armani Suit to the 1990 Golden Globes was an iconic moment for both the actress and the designer. Not only did she buy this outfit off the rack, it unknowingly became a statement-making look, what with her big locks, signature smile, and gender-bending oversized Armani suit.
3. Jodie Foster Wins Her Oscar in Armani
In 1989, Jodie Foster won her first-ever Oscar for her performance in The Accused (1988). She accepted her award in a blue strapless ruched dress that many fashion critics found tasteless, and yes, it was Armani.
While the media crucified her for that outfit, she made a fashion comeback three years later when she won her second Oscar for her iconic role as Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs (1991) wearing a shimmering pantsuit, tuxedo jacket, and white gloves fashioned by Armani yet again. With her fashion reputation back intact, Jodie continued to tap Armani for her other red carpet and film looks ever since.
4. Katie Holmes Gets Married in Armani
Who could forget Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise's $3-million Italian wedding? Katie wore not one, but two, Armani gowns for her big night, and of course, the designer was also part of the star-studded guest list. For the wedding ceremony, the actress wore an off-the-shoulder silk and lace design adorned with Swarovski crystals (which took 350 hours to fix, BTW). Then for the reception she switched to a one-shoulder number embellished with even more Swarovski crystals.
5. Beyonce Makes Her Met Gala Debut in Armani
Beyonce is known for her flaky relationship with the Met Gala. She's been MIA from the met steps since 2016 and has only attended the event seven times in her entire career. Each year, fans of Bee eagerly await her presence on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum only to be met with bad news once again. She made her Met Gala debut in 2008 wearing a light and airy blush pink gown from Armani Privé, a look that was prepared last minute by her long-time stylist Ty Hunter, a look that he still loves to this day. "We were at a phase where everything was for performing: rhinestones, glittery, shiny. So to just tone it down and have simplicity that was still beautiful and elegant — I loved it. It was timeless," he told Business Insider.
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