Giorgio Armani founded his namesake fashion company in 1975 with Sergio Galeotti.
The pair established Giorgio Armani S.p.A. in Milan on 24 July 1975. Armani brought the design vision, while Galeotti, an architect and business partner, played an important role in developing the company’s commercial and organizational side. Their partnership helped turn Armani’s understated tailoring into a global fashion business.
Armani presented his first men’s ready-to-wear collection for spring/summer 1976 and also introduced a women’s line for that season. His clothes became known for relaxed tailoring, softened jackets and a more fluid approach to traditional menswear, a style that helped define late-1970s and 1980s fashion.
The company expanded through licensing, international distribution and additional labels, including Emporio Armani. Armani’s partnership with Galeotti ended with Galeotti’s death in 1985, but the designer continued to build the independent fashion group. The company’s founding should not be confused with the later creation of sub-brands such as Armani Exchange.