Giorgio Armani to receive Outstanding Achievement Award at 2019 Fashion Awards
The award recognises those who have revolutionised the world of fashion
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Your support makes all the difference.Giorgio Armani will be presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2019 Fashion Awards later this year.
The celebrated designer will be honoured for “his outstanding contribution to the global fashion industry, his creativity and vision of timeless style and care for detail, that have provided such inspiration to so many in the industry”, according to a statement released by the British Fashion Council (BFC).
As CEO of the Armani Group and creative director of the Emporio and Giorgio Armani labels, the Italian designer has overseen the growth of the luxury fashion empire over a 40 year period, and remains directly involved with all strategic decision making within the company.
Mr Armani originally studied medicine before moving to Milan where he worked as a buyer for the department store, La Rinascente.
He launched his first ready-to-wear collection for men and women in 1975, with an androgynous and timeless aesthetic and was dubbed the “King of the Blazer”.
Since then, Mr Armani has designed costumes for over 200 films, starting with American Gigolo in 1980, which featured Richard Gere in a breakthrough role that became as well known for its wardrobe as Gere’s performance.
Mr Armani also designed the official strip for the English football team in 2006, and the uniforms for the Italian Olympic and Paralympic teams since 2012.
The designer released his first fragrance in 1982 and his first home collection in 2000. In 2010, the first Armani/Hotel opened in Dubai, followed by Milan in 2011.
Caroline Rush CBE, chief executive of the British Fashion Council, said: “We are thrilled to be honouring Giorgio Armani with the Outstanding Achievement Award.
“With more than four decades in the business, Mr Armani’s contribution to the fashion industry is indeed outstanding.
"Renowned for his timeless vision of style and the brands’ ability to stay relevant, he has led the way where other brands have followed.”
The Outstanding Achievement Award exists to celebrate the careers of creatives who have revolutionised the world of fashion through their innovation and creativity.
Previous recipients of the award include Ralph Lauren, Karl Lagerfeld, Miuccia Prada and Dame Anna Wintour.
The glamorous ceremony takes place at London’s Royal Albert Hall on 2 December, with a limited number of tickets available from £50.
Last year’s soiree was hosted by Alek Wek and Jack Whitehall, with guests including Victoria and David Beckham, Dame Vivienne Westwood, Meghan Markle, Kendall Jenner, Jefferson Hack and Virgil Abloh.
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