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The most sustainable clothes are the ones already made. Here are tips to shop vintage Armani, stylishly and sustainably.
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From the neutral palette to the generous proportions of a tailored suit, Giorgio Armani refined and modernized power dressing. Even though his legacy will continue with a new crop of designers taking the helm of his eponymous label which will debut next week, the passing of Giorgio Armani at the age of 91, feels like the mark the end of an era. Since his induction into the fashion elite in the 1970s, he has built a legacy of powersuits and crisp tailoring that continues to influence designers and style enthusiasts worldwide. And, that’s why, if you’re lucky to nab vintage Armani designed by the maestro himself, you’ll have a heritage piece that will feel right at home in your closet today.
I have a few vintage Armani pieces hanging in my closet. What I love most is that they fit my aesthetic of “tailored fluidity”. Think pleated pants with a wide leg or an oversized blazer. Each piece also matches the aesthetic of the suiting styles popular today, so they never look like they’re 30 years old. I’ve also purchased all of them (along with other vintage designer pieces) online, where I’ve learned a thing or two about authenticity, understanding quality and fit, and how to care for vintage pieces. It also helps that I have a background in production and styling for designers, but that’s a story for another day.
Sometimes buying vintage, especially for designers like Versace, Lacroix, and Armani, can be an art unto itself. These design heavyweights of the 80s and 90s, crafted beautiful pieces you can still find today. Knowing what to look for can save you from fakes and lead you towards a piece you will love and wear for another decade(s).
The Legacy Of Armani: From Power Suits to Relaxed Elegance
It’s interesting to imagine what the world of fashion would have been like had Armani continued his studies in his first career choice- medicine. Thankfully, his path meandered into fashion, where he worked as a window dresser and then a designer before he launched his design business in 1975. The industry hasn’t been the same since. Stiff, formal jackets were replaced by his unlined and relaxed tailoring. His suits were elegant, polished, but most importantly, comfortable.
On the runways and red carpet, Armani’s clean lines and effortless styles enamored celebrities and fashion editors. Off the runways, his style empire expanded into diffusion lines for the masses at lower price points- Armani Jeans, Armani Exchange, Emporio Armani, and Armani Collezioni. If you’re seeking out the high-quality craftsmanship of vintage Armani, it pays to know these labels to understand what you’ll want to focus on. My tip- there’s nothing quite like Giorgio Armani.
Vintage Shopping Tips
Buying genuine vintage designer clothing is like stepping into the past of expert craftsmanship. Each detail is carefully chosen and perfected. And these are what I look for and cherish when shopping for authentic designer pieces.
Labels
When shopping for pre-loved or vintage designer pieces online, I always pay attention to the labels and tags. For designers like Armani, the Vintage Fashion Guild offers a visual guide to show you the font, color, and ‘made in…’ label for pieces made in the early 2000s, 1990s, and 1980s. Care and materials tags are often still on vintage pieces.
Materials
Quality designs often feature quality natural fabrics- silk, wool, cashmere, linen, and leather. That’s not to say that you won’t find a polyester Armani dress, but more often than not, the commitment to high-quality craftsmanship will begin with materials finer than polyester, spandex, and nylon.
Hardware
Buttons, hardware, and zippers are an extension of great design and are carefully chosen to add to the beauty of clothing. Sleek dresses might have ‘hidden’ zippers, carefully covered with fabric, to maintain a distinct, seamless look. Buttons could be covered in cashmere or wool to match blazers, or a feature a bold metal design emblazoned with the designer’s logo.
Tailoring & Seams
Even seams, patterns matching throughout the outfit, reinforced hems, and matching linings are a few design details to look for in designer pieces. Although seemingly small, these extra details ensure a better fit and the durability of an item.
Where To Shop For Vintage Armani
Now for the fun part- seeking out Armani’s timeless vintage designs. You can visit auction houses or vintage stores in your hometown. If you’re close to big cities like NYC or Los Angeles, take a mini shopping trip to explore the city’s reputable shops for expertly curated vintage pieces.
If you’re more of a virtual shopper, there are several reputable pre-loved and vintage shops to choose from online. Here are four I’ve been shopping from for the past 10 years, each for their focus areas and the ease of shopping on their platform.
eBay
Giorgio Armani Collezioni Tie Up Black Blazer Size 38 $99
For decades, eBay has been a marketplace for vintage items. Enjoy the hunt and scroll through pages of items. You also have the option to ask sellers for more images or details about vintage items.
1stDibs
Giorgio Armani 80’s 100% Silk Chiffon & Voile Plissé Haute Couture Dress size 40 $2866
1stDibs allows you to buy from sellers (whose reviews you can read) for designer jewelry, fashion, and homewares. Details about flaws and images of tags are shown. Hands down, it’s one of the best places to find unique, limited edition pieces like this couture dress.
The Real Real
Giorgio Armani Cashmere Blazer Size 38 $175
The Real Real has a site, app, and several retail stores. From vintage to items still in stores, you can find pre-loved clothing and accessories from Off-White to Armani. Items are ‘graded’ from “New-With-Tags” to “As Is” for their quality. While there are great finds, there are also a lot of fakes. Be sure to check images and brush up on designers’ collections.
Thred Up
Giorgio Armani Palazzo Cotton Pants Size 40 $69
Thred Up is a fashion resale site that has recently begun offering more high-end designers. Priced to sell, these pieces are a steal. Plus, images show the label and details include the materials.
