In February 1980, Paramount Pictures gave us the story of a Beverly Hills male escort who dripped sexiness, confidence, and a wardrobe that revolutionized men’s dressing. We’re talking about “American Gigolo,” the film that featured Richard Gere as impeccably dressed Julian Kaye, a man who loved dressing himself as much as he loved undressing his clients. And, who would blame him?
The film’s wardrobe designer was none other than Giorgio Armani. At the time, Armani’s label was in its fifth year but still relatively unknown in the States. The designer’s attention to detail and refined style drew the attention it deserved and made Armani a household name. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Gere looks transformed in each piece and can open eyes to the intention of effortless dressing. In a 2023 Esquire article, the film’s director, Paul Shrader, stated, “To me, the clothes and the character were the same. I mean, this is a guy who does a line of coke in order to get dressed.”
Forty-five years later, we still celebrate the groundbreaking Armani wardrobe of Richard Gere in “American Gigolo,” and the inspiration it still has today.
