With sorrow, the fashion world bid farewell to Giorgio Armani, the visionary Italian designer. Born in postwar Italy, Armani initially studied medicine and served briefly in the army before starting his fashion career at La Rinascente and later designing menswear for Cerruti. In 1975, he founded Giorgio Armani S.p.A., which grew into a global fashion empire, including Armani Exchange, Emporio Armani, Armani Privé, Armani Casa, and luxury ventures in hotels and furniture.
Armani pioneered minimalist tailoring, redefining power dressing with unlined jackets and simple ensembles that became symbols of modern elegance. Dressing icons like Richard Gere in American Gigolo, his designs combined refinement and accessibility – but also made his brand a target for counterfeiters. Armani Exchange (AX) and Emporio Armani, marked by the “AX” monogram and the Armani Eagle, are among the most widely imitated lines.
The most commonly counterfeited items? Watches, bags, and apparel, especially those bearing distinctive branding. Their popularity has led to significant legal actions and enforcement efforts worldwide.
- In 2022, in Shanghai, one defendant was sentenced to five years in prison and fined over USD 209,000 for selling 58,813 counterfeit Armani watches worth approximately USD 1.27 million. Authorities also seized an additional 13,815 fake watches, valued at nearly USD 298,000.
- A 2005 industry report revealed that 8% of counterfeit activity in perfumes and cosmetics was linked to Armani products. Furthermore, 28% of executives surveyed admitted that over 10% of their brand’s products had been counterfeited, with Armani frequently cited as a key example.
Despite strong efforts to uphold brand integrity, Armani’s global appeal made it a constant target in the underground world of fake luxury. Yet, as always, imitation may echo the surface, but it can never capture the substance.
This text is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. Should you require any additional information, feel free to contact us.
