SimplyAbuDhabi XXXVII

Over the years, the brand has had an on/off relationship with the press in Britain. Critics – always in search of trends – have said his collections are not modern enough. His refusal to use a stylist or invite outside expertise means he is often accused of repetition, so to be finally acknowledged by the UK feels particularly poignant. “It’s important, because British fashion is known for being quite different or particular. For me, it’s even more important to have been recognised as somebody who changed fashion for a certain moment.” Mr Armani admits he fell into fashion almost by accident, working as a window dresser, then a menswear buyer, after studying medicine. “I ended up in this world because I wanted to dress real people and meet their needs, but I don’t come from this environment,” he says. Encouraged by his partner in life and work, Sergio Galeotti (who died in 1985), he founded his brand in 1975. In 1981, he launched the diffusion label EmporioArmani, followed by fragrances in 1984. (A bottle of Acqua di Gio is still sold every minute.) In 2000, he brought the celebrity haunt Nobu to Italy, with business partner Robert De Niro. From haute couture to hospitality, the Armani empire now includes hotels, nightclubs, cosmetics and fine jewellery, but it’s fashion that remains his true love. “The main focus is still fashion. It’s stimulating and every six months you have to do something new, so you have to create. It keeps you alive,” he says. “The fashion system has changed so much; I inhabit a completely different environment compared to when I started. The pace has become faster and faster, and as designers we are forced to dish out products at an alarming rate, something I do not like that much. On my end, I never forget that we are here to dress people with something authentic, useful and beautiful.” 086 | SIMPLY INFLUENTIAL The main focus is still fashion.” “ SIMPLY INFLUENTIAL | 087