Giorgio Armani, the iconic Italian designer who passed away at 91, left behind a legacy of refusing to let politics dictate his craft, especially when it came to dressing Melania Trump as First Lady.
As reported by Daily Mail, Armani’s stance was clear back in 2017 when asked if he would style the incoming First Lady. His response, “Why shouldn’t I dress a beautiful woman?” cut through the noise of partisan bickering with a simplicity that defined his approach.
Armani made it plain that fashion transcends political divides, a refreshing take in an era where every choice seems weaponized by ideology. While he didn’t shy away from a sly jab at Donald Trump’s appearance, noting the then-president had “improved physically” with a slimmer frame and less flamboyant hair, his focus remained on Melania as an individual deserving of his artistry.
Over a career spanning half a century, Armani became synonymous with sleek tailoring, dressing power players from Wall Street to Washington with unmatched sophistication. His suits in the 1980s were a uniform for ambition, a symbol of success that didn’t bend to fleeting trends or cultural whims.
Hollywood, too, fell under his spell, as he reshaped the red carpet with a blend of understated glamour and precision. From Diane Keaton’s bold, androgynous jacket at the 1978 Academy Awards to Julia Roberts’ silver-grey suit at the 1990 Golden Globes, Armani pioneered a look that screamed confidence without shouting.
His influence didn’t stop at awards shows; offering his designs for free to public figures, he set the standard for celebrity dressing. This wasn’t just marketing; it was a statement that style could be a universal language, unmarred by the petty squabbles of the day.
Armani’s collaboration with cinema, like outfitting the 1980 film "American Gigolo," showed how fashion could define a cultural moment. His designs became a benchmark for men’s style, proving that elegance and masculinity could coexist seamlessly.
Through the decades, stars like Jodi Foster in a shimmering 1992 Oscars pantsuit and Gwyneth Paltrow in a sheer, embroidered gown for "Shakespeare in Love" showcased his evolution from tailored minimalism to full-blown red-carpet drama. Each look was a testament to his knack for adapting while staying true to his roots in Italian couture.
Even in 2025, at this year’s Oscars, Demi Moore dazzled in a custom Armani gown with crystal embroidery and a dramatic train, a reminder of how his vision continued to resonate. Though she didn’t win Best Actress, her presence echoed his enduring ability to make any moment iconic.
Armani’s reach extended to political spheres, where figures like Hillary Clinton donned his structured pantsuits, though not without scrutiny, as seen in 2016 when a $12,000 jacket drew flak during a speech on income inequality. It highlighted a double standard women in power face, where even their wardrobe becomes a battlefield for public opinion.
Yet his designs also marked personal milestones, like crafting Katie Holmes’ breathtaking off-the-shoulder gown for her 2006 wedding to Tom Cruise in Rome. Armani didn’t just dress the bride; he outfitted the groom and their infant daughter Suri, proving his mastery of bespoke glamour for life’s biggest stages.
His work wasn’t about chasing approval or bowing to cultural pressures; it was about creating beauty that stood on its own. In a world obsessed with taking sides, Armani’s refusal to politicize his art feels like a quiet rebellion against today’s hyper-divided landscape.
Armani’s passing marks the end of an era where fashion could still be a sanctuary from the relentless culture wars.
His decision to support Melania Trump, despite his tepid remarks about her husband, showed a commitment to principle over populism, a stance too rare in today’s virtue-signaling climate.
While Melania herself seldom wore his designs, Armani’s willingness to stand by her spoke volumes about his belief in separating personal merit from political baggage. His legacy, from boardrooms to bridal aisles, reminds us that true artistry doesn’t need to pick a team to make an impact.
