Born in 1949, Romeo Gigli is a renowned Italian fashion designer recognized for his innovative use of intricate beading, drapery, and luxurious fabrics such as velvet, brocade, and silks. Raised in an aristocratic family in Faenza, Italy, Gigli developed a keen appreciation for extravagance, influenced by his father’s antiquarian book business. His journeys to various European capitals during his architectural studies served as a catalyst for his initial clothing collections, which drew inspiration from avant-garde street styles.

In 1978, Gigli achieved a major breakthrough in New York when he designed a collection of men’s clothing for Piertro Dimitri. Following his return to Italy, he secured a position as a design consultant for leading Italian clothing companies. In 1983, Gigli founded his eponymous company, with Zamasport handling the manufacturing of his clothing. Over the years, Gigli’s unique and anachronistic approach to fashion, along with his commitment to simplicity, propelled him to become one of the most esteemed Italian designers. In 1989, he relocated to Paris, where he continued organizing fashion shows and presentations at renowned venues like the Louvre, eventually establishing a showroom in the Marais district. Notably, in 1991, Gigli underwent a significant transformation by separating from his former business partners and restructuring his brand, unveiling “Romeo World.”

Throughout the late 1980s and beyond, Gigli garnered international acclaim and gained a devoted following among stylish and affluent women who adored his breathtaking collections. His fashion is best described as an exquisite fusion of Renaissance elegance, Japanese austerity, and disheveled punk-inspired street chic. Gigli’s impact on the fashion industry lies in his ability to reintroduce femininity into contemporary design, accentuating feminine details, jewelry, waistlines, and curved hiplines. He skillfully utilized stretch materials to enhance women’s curves, accentuating their natural beauty.

Another notable aspect of Gigli’s business is his early adoption of offering fashion by other designers in his boutiques. Included in his offerings were esteemed designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Sybilla. By viewing fashion as an art form, Gigli actively embraces and draws inspiration from diverse cultures and traditions.

Praised by numerous reviews, Gigli holds a prominent place as one of the most influential fashion designers of the late 1980s. He continued to present avant-garde designs throughout the 1990s while also introducing a lower-priced line to make his creations more accessible to a wider audience.

In 2004, Gigli left his signature company and embarked on independent design ventures, supported by investments from an Italian private equity firm. The brand name “Gigli” was sold in 1999 to IT Holding, an Italian manufacturer. In addition to his contributions to the world of fashion, Romeo Gigli possesses an extensive fragrance collection, with 15 perfumes in his portfolio. Collaborating with esteemed perfumers such as Nathalie Feisthauer, Sophie Labbe, and Alberto Morillas, Gigli’s fragrances span from the inaugural edition in 1989 to the latest creation in 2014.