On Thursday, famed Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani passed away at 91, “peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.” In a statement from the fashion house, they wrote that he was “indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections and the many ongoing and future projects.”
Armani founded his eponymous label in 1975. Known for being understated and elegant, he is credited for putting Italian ready-to-wear on the map. He has also created many iconic red carpet looks, such as Jodie Foster’s powder pink evening suit from the 1992 Academy Awards. Despite being in the business for five decades, his designs remain relevant to this day.
His business empire (worth over $10 billion) extends far beyond clothing. Over the years, it has grown to include home furnishings, flowers, a basketball team, hotels and of course, restaurants and cafés around the world.
A foray into the food industry
In 1998, Armani decided to open his first dining establishment, the Emporio Armani Caffè, in Paris. He said that it was a new concept to give customers a break while shopping and allow them to unwind. The success of this first location led him to replicate the model around the globe.
Food, which is one of the most important elements of everyday life, could not be missing.”
Today, the Armani Restaurants empire boasts over 20 locations across four continents, in vibrant cities like Milan, Tokyo and Dubai. On the website, the brand writes that their establishments “engage patrons in a culinary journey that embodies the Armani lifestyle, highlighting meticulous attention to detail, sophisticated flavours, and an atmosphere that reflects its values and aesthetics.”
One of the most lauded Armani establishments is also located in Paris. The Armani Ristorante, helmed by Chef Massimo Tringali, earned a Michelin star in 2018. This honour has continued to be renewed year after year. Both the original Emporio Armani Caffè and this restaurant are listed on the Michelin Guide’s list for “The Best Italian Restaurants in Paris.”
The menus at each location tends to differ to optimize local ingredients and adjust to regional palates. For example, the signature appetizer at the New York location, which opened last year, is Maine lobster with grapefruit and sabayon. But there are eight signature dishes that can be found across select signature menus. One of them is the Pappa al Pomodoro, a comforting and humble Tuscan tomato soup.
An unforgettable legacy
When asked by Forbes Magazine what inspired him to start opening up restaurants, Armani said, “I always wanted the Armani brand to become an expression of style as a lifestyle, of sophisticated simplicity as a sign of elegance in every field. Food, which is one of the most important elements of everyday life, could not be missing.”
Much can be said about Armani, who has long been mythologized in the media. He was a fashion revolutionary, bringing Italian flair to the masses and re-imagining suiting. He was also dedicated and hard-working, who was still personally managing projects until the end. What can be certain is that his impact across multiple industries is indelible.
In his last interview with the Financial Times, Armani said, “I have in fact created a lifestyle that I would define as a world of natural sophistication, in which nothing is over the top but everything finds a balance that, while whispered, is rich in personality.”
