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What is Armani Exchange? | Armani Labels Explained

Holly Thompson
Writer and expert3 years ago
View Holly Thompson's profile

You’ll be forgiven for getting a little confused when it comes to the different labels that sit under the Armaniumbrella. If you've ever wondered, what is Armani Exchange? Or even where the brand is from, we're here to give you a clear breakdown of all that is the Italian fashion house, and why the brand should most definitely feature in your wardrobe.

#1 Where is Armani from?

Famed for being one of fashions most influential, Giorgio Armani founded Armani in 1970’s Italy. The brand's varied product offering is a key contributor to the success gained throughout the decades. Providing for all markets with premium fashion, footwear, fragrance and accessories for both men, women and children. The brand to this day based in Milan and all produce is exclusively manufactured in Italy.  

armani labels explained
@armaniexchange

#2 Armani History

Starting his working life in the military during the 60’s, founder Giorgio Armani shortly left after and worked as a window dresser.  He gained extensive knowledge of fabrics, patterns and design and went on to work for the Italian men’s fashion label Hitman. After developing and refining his skills here, in 1975 Giorgio left to design his own menswear line. This was then followed by a womenswear line which went on to transform the workwear wardrobes of women across the globe, from the floral skirts of the 60’s to the chic pantsuits of the 70’s and 80’s.   

After a decade of working on mainline Armani, diffusion lines Emporio Armani, Armani Jeans, Armani Exchange A/X, Armani Collezioni and Armani Privé were born and sold in over 200 stores worldwide. Throughout the 1990’s the Armani kingdom continued to expand with new ranges of makeup, haute couture and the creation of the sportswear line EA7. 

Fast forward to the modern day and Armani now has condensed his labels into three main lines, Giorgio Armani, Armani Exchange and Emporio Armani of which EA7 sits within. 

#3 What is Armani Exchange?

Splitting Armani into its three main lines allowed the brand to target specific customer needs. Armani Exchange is designed to capture a more youthful and style-conscious audience with its ready-to-wear collections at more affordable prices. The collection spans a variety of pieces and caters for both men and women.

Founded in 1991 the sub-label offers customers wardrobe staples with a touch of luxury in their quality fabrics and designs. It includes Armani Exchange T-shirts, bags and jackets and loungewear. The versatility of the collection is one of its many strengths. The contemporary designs are great for your workwear wardrobe and running errands on the weekend.

armani labels explained
@emporioarmani

#4 What is Emporio Armani?

One of the original sub-labels of Armani is Emporio Armani. The menswear label Emporio Armani sits between the luxury aesthetic of Giorgio Armani and the more accessible Armani Exchange. It offers a range of clothing, accessories and fragrances for those looking for a little luxury in their wardrobe. Created in 1982, Giorgio Armani is well established with over 30 years in the designer fashion market. The collection is a range of Emporio Armani t-shirts, hoodies, underwear, sneakers and more designed for the young professional.

 

#5 What is EA7?

armani labels explained
@emporioarmani

Sitting within the Emporio Armani umbrella is the sports line EA7Launched in 2012 the sports line for men, women and children includes a range of contemporary designs. The range includes tracksuits, T-shirts, shorts and leggings.

The range does not compromise the quality of the fashion house but provides premium and practical clothing. Furthermore building out your athleisure and loungewear wardrobe, covering you on all bases.

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