Giorgio Armani developed a singular talent for designing fashionable menswear. This Italian entrepreneur began his career in medicine, which he soon gave up for photography. After he was called up to Italy's national service in the late 1950s, he returned to work as a window dresser but ruffled the feathers of the department store's management because his designs were too forward-thinking for the time. In 1970, he partnered up with a close colleague named Sergio Galeotti and started his own company. Together, Armani and Galeotti freelanced and sold their work to manufacturers throughout Italy and Europe. During this time, Armani learned important techniques from another Italian menswear designed named Emmanuel Ungaro. After all this preparation, Armani was ready to launch his own brand. By 1975, the Giorgio Armani Company was selling high quality shirts, slacks, and suits around the world as well as clothing for children. The Armani brand reached new heights of popularity after Armani-designed clothing for the movie American Gigolo, work for which he won the Neiman Marcus Award. Armani's style is elegant and simple. Armani suits are the uniform of choice for powerful men and women around the world. For menswear, such as pants and ties, he uses the finest materials and does not skimp on structuring. For women's garments, he employs silky fabrics and creaseless materials which offer the illusion of a very long neckline. Bucking tried-and-true fashion principles has worked out well for Armani. Today, the line retails more than two billion dollars annually and services markets in more than 100 countries around the globe. | 
