FASHION EXPERT AVAILABLE TO SPEAK ON PASSING OF GIORGIO ARMANI

David Loranger, Ph.D.  Assistant Professor, Marketing/Fashion Marketing & Merchandising “The world lost a true visionary today with the passing of Giorgio Armani. He was an early pioneer who re-defined fashion by introducing an entirely new, minimalist aesthetic that blended menswear and womenswear influences. His design innovations include the soft suit popularized by Richard Gere and Don Johnson, along with the iconic Armani ‘greige’ color, which revolutionized menswear. Mr. Armani was also a branding and retailing genius, as through his collaborations with Lee Radizwill and Fred Pressman, he solidified himself as the ‘it’ designer for Hollywood and New York's ‘downtown’ customers.” Loranger bio:

• Worked nearly two decades in the fashion industry in New York City
• Managed and owned textile art studios
• Worked for New York-based retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Loro Piana and Barneys New York
• Oversaw men’s tailored clothing & designer and home categories
• Teaches introduction into marketing, consumer behavior, fashion branding, fashion buying, fashion innovation, global luxury retailing and senior fashion seminar
• Research interests include the marketing of cultural apparel products and generational consumption (specific expertise in Scottish kilts and Texas boots)