As one of the few big fashion houses still owned by its founder, it's no surprise that Giorgio Armani is constantly surrounded by rumours about who will succeed him and control the brand as and when he decides to retire. While the question has always been discussed, the issue has been spoken about extensively at the moment.
Recent reports alleged that he plans to leave his company to a foundation and in that big profile in the Wall Street Journal that dropped recently, he suggested that the company will go his nieces and nephews. Last week in Beijing the designer told WWD that the idea of leaving the company to a foundation was 'only one of the possibilities; there is nothing substantial there.' On the contary, AFP report that he told reporters that he has 'started a major restructuring: the outside support of a foundation that will allow designated persons to manage the group.'
Contrary to his youthful appearance, 78 year-old Giorgio Armani is getting older and as one of the only fashion designers still in control of his empire, it's not surprising that speculation about his next move abound.
Last month reports about Stefano Pilati moving to the brand with the intention to assume full creative reigns when the man himself retires adding impetus to the ever present interest. Naturally, then, succession was the main topic of discussion in his recent feature in the Wall Street Journal.
In the interview he reveals that the future of the company is something that he thinks about 'when I wake up in the morning and when I go to sleep at night.' He also discusses why creating wearable designs are important to him, what he has planned for the future of Armani and his near death experience.
