How Giorgio Armani’s Legacy Lives On in His Bespoke Line

“The history of Giorgio Armani is rooted in a non-linear journey, shaped by observation, sensitivity, and vision,” reads the Armani website. It goes on to explain that prior to launching his own maison in 1975, the Italian designer’s experience was developed through several Italian companies, one of which was couturier Nino Cerruti. Yet, it is perhaps his time at La Rinascente, a luxury department store in Milan, that most shaped his approach as a designer years later.

Armani began as a window dresser, rising through the ranks to become a menswear sales associate and eventually, a buyer — a stint he held for seven years. While established fashion schools or apprenticeships are where most designers hone their skills, the shop floor was instead where Armani received his education. Surrounded by fabrics, he developed a passion for them; dealing with customers, he learned the market. So it comes as no surprise that these experiences grounded him as he set up a brand that would revolutionise the way people dressed.

Armani approached tailoring with a wholly modern outlook. He best described it himself in his 2015 autobiography saying, “I was the first to soften the image of men, and harden the image of women. I dressed men in women’s fabrics, and stole from men what women wanted and needed — the power suit.” 

His vision of effortless elegance was embraced by numerous high-profile individuals of the late 20th century including Diana, Princess of Wales, and movie stars Julia Roberts and Diane Keaton. His suits were so ubiquitous among the men attending the 1990 Academy Awards that the press dubbed it the “Armani Awards”. Armani is widely regarded as the first designer to reach out to prominent figures, offering appropriate outfits for prestigious events — an overture reportedly made with the simple yet flattering, “Mr Armani would like to dress you.”

In 2006, Armani extended that same offer to his wider clientele with the launch of his Made to Measure service. Recognising that it was a time of large fashion corporations, fierce globalisation, and an increasingly impersonal approach to design, he felt it necessary to return to the core of his creative process through bespoke designs. “I realised that some of my clients wanted a unique product made especially for them,” he said previously. “The service blends tradition and modernity, combining the art of tailoring with the innovation of a contemporary design studio.” 

In 2006, Armani extended that same offer to his wider clientele with the launch of his Made to Measure service. Recognising that it was a time of large fashion corporations, fierce globalisation, and an increasingly impersonal approach to design, he felt it necessary to return to the core of his creative process through bespoke designs. “I realised that some of my clients wanted a unique product made especially for them,” he said previously. “The service blends tradition and modernity, combining the art of tailoring with the innovation of a contemporary design studio.” 

Today, Giorgio Armani Made to Measure is available at almost every Giorgio Armani boutique worldwide, run by a dedicated team of specialists. Discerning clients like George Clooney, Christian Bale, and Leonardo DiCaprio are already well-accustomed to Armani excellence, yet this luxurious service provides something new altogether. With guided assistance, one can choose almost every detail of the outfit, exploring diverse fabrics like traceable Nativa wool and fine vicuña; opting for patterns like classic houndstooth, selecting buttons and linings; and dictating every detail of the silhouette — from pocket positions and lapel styles to whether or not the trousers have pleats.

Customers can choose between two main lines — Soho for more contemporary, sophisticated styles or Wall Street for a timeless, traditional look — to produce the garment of their dreams, exclusively tailored to their specifications. In consideration of the modern man often stretched for time, the process of crafting a Made to Measure suit is incredibly streamlined. Pop into the store to get accurate measurements on-site, then decide on a fitting or simply trust the maison to execute. The garment arrives with a personalised label, ready to be collected or delivered to either homes or offices. 

Understandably, the MTM experience is a transformative one for both a man and his wardrobe. Every suit is made to the highest standard of quality, and perfected from the inside out. Visible details include hand‑stitched lapels and functional buttonholes, while structural elements such as natural horse or goat’s hair canvas mean that the garments have the resilience to withstand daily wear, while ensuring better heat retention and disposal at the end of its life. And in the likely event that one suit inspires another, repeat MTM orders are seamless — your measurements and preferences are kept on file, eliminating the need for a repeat store visit.

From 2 to 4 October, Giorgio Armani’s MTM is available at their Ngee Ann City boutique.