History Giorgio Armani and Sergio Galeotti founded the company in Milan in 1975 with capital of $10,000. Armani today employs about 4,700 employees and has 13 factories around the world. It has nearly 300 stores in 36 countries.Recently, the house has begun an haute couture operation, showing in Paris during the Haute Couture fashion week, under the name of Armani Privé. Unlike much of the fashion industry, which is held by massive multi-nationals like LVMH and relies heavily on licensing, Armani is held privately by Giorgio Armani and produces the vast majority of its products in-house.

Lines Emporio Armani is a more youthful inspired Armani Line that markets for younger adults. The line can be bought at its 13 American boutiques and over 140 worldwide boutiques, making it the largest distributed Armani brand. Products encompassed by this brand include ready-to-wear clothes, sunglasses, perfume, accessories and watches. The line is considered a "bridge line" as it features higher-end products than Armani Exchange or Armani Jeans but is not as expensive as the exclusive Armani Collezioni ('black label') lines. Emporio Armani is sold in freestanding Emporio Armani boutiques, in high-end department stores, and through their online store.