Giorgio

I was saddened to hear of the passing of legendary Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani. The Armani Group announced earlier today “With profound sorrow, the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force. Il signor Armani, as he was always called with respect and admiration by his employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.”

Just as well I am not a news presenter as I would have been unable to make the announcement without saying “Armani, Armani, ah-ah-Armani”, this being how I read the name to myself every time I see it in print. Hardwired into my psyche as a result of the lyrics of the Pet Shop Boys song Paninaro, a paean to 1980s Italian youth culture and their preference for designer clothing. A rarity, as it’s Chris Lowe with his heavy northern tones - and not Neil Tennant - who sings, but no worse for that. Along with everything else they have ever recorded, one of my favourites.

While my wardrobe is not littered with designer clobber, I do possess one piece of Armani designed couture. In 1997 I was commuting on a weekly basis from Edinburgh to Luxembourg. I know, ridiculous. My most recent / last job entailed a 45 minute commute to Ferry Road and that felt like an effort. Anyway, British Airways could barely keep up with my frequent flying, and on several occasions my luggage was delayed for several days. But, as Big Suze in Peep Show says, the only airline that really understands is BA, and they quite happily coughed up money for replacement clothes. After the first two times this happened I had two shirts and a tie in hand luggage, so when it happened again I blew the BA clothes allowance on a nice Armani jersey. Too big for me now, ate a lot of Gromperekichelcher that summer, perhaps it’s time to donate it to a charity shop.

In memory of Giorgio Armani, Armani, ah-ah-Armani, 1934 - 2025