Giorgio Armani Shares His Process, Vision And Where He Feels Most At Home

The Italian designer, who is a self-professed perfectionist, shares his view of streamlined, elegant and enduring style.

- Ralf Eibl

Giorgio Armani’s tailored, clean, modern aesthetic is the consistent thread woven into everything from women’s and men’s clothing to his ever-expanding home and hotel projects. At 84 years old, the legendary designer continues to be the driving force in his design studio, making sure his distinctive sensibility is portrayed in his latest projects, from a building in Beijing to the new Armani/Casa collection. Most often, each idea begins with a sketch. In a rare moment, Armani shares his process, vision and where he feels most at home.

Where did you learn to draw like a master?

I never actually went to a specialist school as people tend to do nowadays. I just took the usual art and drawing classes when I was in high school. I had to learn how to sketch clothes on both male and female figures, improvising with a method that I didn’t know. I practised on croquis (drawings of live models) that Yves Saint Laurent did; at the time they seemed the most lively and original. I learned how to draw with those maquettes (preliminary sketches).

How do sketches play a role in the design process?

Often over the course of the day I do a few sketches, either a part of clothing or of some other object. My sketches are mostly guidelines that I then show to my staff to clarify and illustrate my point of view and how I would like things to be done.

Which architects and designers do you admire?