How did an iconic Italian fashion house become one of the world’s leading players in mid-level luxury glasses? To properly understand, you have to take a look at the grand scheme of the house’s development. Emporio Armani glasses are now another limb of the EssilorLuxottica manufacturing dynasty, but things started in a very different place.
This piece will track the history of Emporio Armani Eyewear, covering some of the earlier days of the business and the change in focus to target a younger demographic. Join us on a trip down memory lane for one of the world’s most influential fashion brands!
Early beginnings & Emporio introduction
The Armani company history starts in 1975, with Giorgio Armani founding his eponymous brand with Sergio Galeotti. They quickly made waves with their stylish, sophisticated menswear, known for simple lines and neutral colours. After a few years, they launched a subsidiary branch named Emporio Armani.
This brand, rolled out in 1981, was focused on a more youthful audience, mindful of trends rather than high fashion. It was a move into slightly more accessible price points and style choices, embodying the increasingly casual feel of young adults in the 80s. With the expansion into a new market also came an increased focus on diversifying the product portfolio overall.
The first look into eyewear
1988 was the year that proper Giorgio Armani eyewear line was launched – the first expedition into spectacles in Armani brand history. These glasses were, and remain, super clean and sophisticated, with a high-fashion pricetag to match. Predictably, for the house, they were a resounding success. This year also aligned with the launch of Emporio Armani Magazine, perhaps a sign of the expansion to come soon after.
Soon after the first launch came the introduction of the Emporio Armani glasses frame range. Much like the shift in clothing, these were stylish and sleek designs with a reduced focus on luxury, perfect for younger, less financially flush fashion fanatics.
The start of a beautiful partnership
The introduction of Armani’s eyewear ranges was also the first days of their ongoing partnership with Luxottica (now EssilorLuxottica). The latter company is the world’s leading eyewear company and has been for some years, however, their collaboration with Armani was the first major licensing deal in their company history.
This was a watershed moment, considered one of the first cases of designer prescription glasses becoming available to the public. It set the stage for future collaborations with brands like Chanel, D&G, Versace and Ralph Lauren to name but a few.
A slight detour
After 15 years with Luxottica, Armani took a short excursion with Safilo Group as their exclusive license holder. This collaboration lasted from 2003 to 2012, with Armani opting to embrace Safilo’s focus on high-end products. However, after this 9 year partnership, it was Luxottica who reclaimed their license for Armani glasses. As of 2022, they’ve renewed their partnership for another 15 years – a sign that their strong collaboration shows no signs of slowing down.
The design philosophy of Emporio Armani glasses
Emporio Armani eyewear maintains the focus on Italian craftsmanship and premium materials, with a youth-forward, urban feel that differentiates it from proper Giorgio Armani eyewear. You’re likely to see the Armani eagle logo as a prominent feature on the temples, while the brand’s elegance might be approached in more experimental ways than the parent company’s range.
These are glasses that suit wearers in settings that range from urban nightlife hubs to upper-class office blocks. In the past 50 years, Armani has been a major player in the world of fashion, with both the initial brand and Emporio Armani spectacles being a huge part of the designer glasses landscape. Check out a reputable dealer today to take part in that history!
