Giorgio Armani, the iconic fashion house renowned for its timeless designs and elegant aesthetic, is currently undergoing a shift in leadership as Livio Proli, the group’s general manager, prepares to step down at the end of March. This decision comes amidst a slowdown in sales for the luxury brand, prompting a strategic reevaluation of the company’s direction.
Proli, a long-standing member of the Armani family, will maintain his role on the board of directors and continue to lead the Armani-owned Olimpia Milano basketball club. His departure adds to a series of changes within the management team, including the exits of other key executives such as Andrea Camerana and John Hooks in recent years.
At 84 years old, Giorgio Armani remains steadfast in his commitment to preserving the independence of his namesake label. In an effort to safeguard the brand’s legacy, he established a foundation in 2016 to protect against potential takeovers or restructuring. Despite these measures, Armani has faced a decline in sales since 2016, with a 7% drop in revenue reported in 2017.
To address the challenging market conditions, the Armani group underwent a strategic overhaul in 2018, focusing on three key brand segments. These include the luxury segment with Giorgio Armani, Armani Privé, and Armani/Casa; the second line featuring Emporio Armani and Armani Junior; and the more commercial A/X Armani Exchange line geared towards a younger audience.
As the fashion house navigates through this period of transition and revitalization, industry insiders are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the Armani story. With Livio Proli’s impending departure signaling a change in leadership, all eyes are on the legendary Italian label to see how it will adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving fashion landscape.
For more information on the latest developments at Giorgio Armani, visit their official website here. Additionally, for insights into the fashion industry’s trends and transformations, explore articles on Vogue’s website here.
