Giorgio Armani celebrated 40 years in fashion with a star-studded gala and opening of a museum dedicated to his designer business.
The 80-year old designer, known for his clean cut and elegant collections, was joined by celebrities such as , Sofia Lauren, Leonardo Di Caprio, Cate Blanchett, Tom Cruise, Hilary Swank ,Tina Turner & more for the bash in Milan, headquarters to his fashion empire.The event took place ahead of the Friday opening of Milan Expo, of which Armani is special ambassador for fashion.
Officials are counting on some 20 million people visiting the six month exhibition of worldwide products and technologies.
Nicknamed King Giorgio, the designer, who once worked as a window dresser, is known for being hands-on in creating one of the most recognized fashion brands in the world.
“There have been many moments, from the beginning until today,” Armani told reporters upon arrival at the gala on Thursday evening. “Maybe my most emotional moment was when I saw my cover on ‘Time’,” he added referring to the magazine.
Armani, who designs both couture and ready-to-wear, has dressed celebrities, royals as well as sportsmen. Stars such as Beyonce, David Beckham and Megan Fox have modeled his perfumes or underwear.
“Madison Avenue in 1985, I think it was, so not very long after he came to our country and I have a closetful still of those beautiful suits, those classic suits, and I still wear them,” actress Glenn Close said of when she bought her first Armani piece.
“James Bond” actor Pierce Brosnan paid tribute to the stylist, calling him “a mighty man” while Italian actress Sophia Loren simply said the designer “is my friend”.
For the anniversary, Armani has converted a 1950s building that once stored cereals for a new exhibition dedicated of his designs.
Cate Blanchett attends the Giorgio Armani 40th Anniversary Silos Opening And Cocktail Reception on April 30, 2015 in Milan, Italy.
Chris Pine attends the Giorgio Armani 40th Anniversary in Milan
At the Armani 40th Anniversary event – April 30, 2015 | Pierce Brosnan
Tom Cruise and Roberta Armani at the Armani 40th Anniversary, here at Dinner at Nobu in Milan
Tom Cruise was also in Milan to honour Giorgio Armani. He attended the fashion show and cocktail for Mr Armani’s 40th anniversary too. Roberta Armani’s the one escorting him.
Tina Turner and Lauren Hutton at the Armani 40th Anniversary , Dinner at Nobu, Milan
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan arrives for a Giorgio Armani exclusive fashion show in Milan, Italy on Thursday, (April 30, 2015). Here, at Nobu, Milan
Giorgio Armani & Leonardo DiCaprio
Sophia Loren Stuns At Giorgio Armani’s 40th Anniversary Reception
For the occasion, the 80-year-old iconic beauty wore a long-sleeved flowing black gown with a criss-crossed detail at the neckline. She accessorized the look with a simple black purse, open-toed heels and diamond earrings.
Earlier in the evening, the original Italian bombshell donned another glam ensemble: an off-white pantsuit with an embellished blazer. She completed her outfit with a pair of diamond encrusted earrings and a matching choker, and black satin sandals.
Loren told WWD she first met Armani in Paris when he was working at Nino Cerruti. She’s since been a longtime supporter of the designer, and regularly attends his events “always, just like real friends do.”
Pirelli’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Marco Tronchetti Provare pose with his wife Afef
U.S. actress Hilary Swank poses before the Giorgio Armani’s fashion show to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his career and to mark the opening of the Expo 2015 in Milan, April 30, 2015.
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