ARMANO GAMBINO
"Every time I cut or style hair, I understand that I am holding a different personality, an individual, within the strands. And that comes with a deep sense of reverence, responsibility, and respect. I feel like this profession chose me. I don’t feel like I chose it. And in that, comes a complex of nuances - beyond appearances - that deal with a far more intimate and, I dare say, psychological and emotional sphere.”
Armano Gambino’s fate was intertwined with hair. He was born into a hairdresser's family, with both his parents, his Italian father and German mother, being hairdressers. After having attended the Vidal Sassoon Academy in London, Armano continued training in Germany, winning several international hair awards. He has worked in various European cities, and has since settled in Milano, Italy. He is renowned as one of the most successful international hairdressers of our times.
As the capital of global fashion, Milano has become Armano's home.
As the capital of global fashion, Milano has become the home of the UrsulaArmano Hair Atelier. Characterized by a flood of beautiful light, intricate color combinations, and bold patterns, the first floor of the Via Senato immediately became the go-to destination for his sophisticated clientele - those who appreciate the quality and the energy of Armano’s work. Most importantly, it has evolved into the hair-destination of fashion, cinema and beauty icons. Displayed in a series of black-and-white photographs, as you enter the salon, is a constellation of the true aficionados of Armano's style - a mixture of recognizable Italian and international icons, each faithful to Armano’s distinctive mix of passion and professionalism.
As the capital of global fashion, Milano has become the home of the UrsulaArmano Hair Atelier. Characterized by a flood of beautiful light, intricate color combinations, and bold patterns, the first floor of the Via Senato immediately became the go-to destination for his sophisticated clientele - those who appreciate the quality and the energy of Armano’s work. Most importantly, it has evolved into the hair-destination of fashion, cinema and beauty icons. Displayed in a series of black-and-white photographs, as you enter the salon, is a constellation of the true aficionados of Armano's style - a mixture of recognizable Italian and international icons, each faithful to Armano’s distinctive mix of passion and professionalism.
His extremely personal approach, total independence, and utmost care for each project is what sets his particular creative vision apart.
Under Armano’s watchful eye, each unique feature, each expression, and each look is taken into account, as he masterfully modulates tresses to the dimensions of each face. Each person comes out of their appointment with Armano with their own distinctive look, never similar to another. Never. "Because it simply doesn't exist that a face, a personality, or a look, is the same as another one," he says, with a smile that glints with a hint of playful innocence. Even today, after a career spanning over two decades, Armano goes on: "Above all, there is no way to feel the same as another." This approach keeps the Armano aficionados coming back time and time again.
Taking on the new role of fashion designer for THE GUESTLIST, Armano’s debut collection for ARMANO MILANO incorporates selected pieces that draw on a wide range of influences.
Sweaters form the back-bone of the collection, each unique, and enigmatic. From the casual elegance of his Pupolo Sweater, to the surprising detailing of the bare elbows in the Pumito Sweater, to the sway of the elliptic V-neck on his Pal Mal Sweater, the designs are intelligent, yet passionate. The bare-chest of his Pucco Sweater enables the wearer to constantly update their look by changing what is worn underneath, or to delight the world by bearing all. Thereafter, Armano’s pièce de résistance has to be the Polifemo Sweater, inspired by fashion icon, Karl Lagerfeld, whom he worked closely with at Chanel.
Through this foray into fashion, Armano Gambino has brought together a collection that is delightful in its discovery of new ways of embodying knitwear.
Another source of inspiration, from childhood days, fuelled the Pisa Turtleneck design as an easy-to-wear alternative to a scarf. This ingenious item creates the appearance and elegant feel of a turtleneck sweater, while being easy to remove. It encapsulates Armano’s forward-thinking functionality, with his sense of effortless ease. If you’re more about a traditional neckpiece, accessorizing with the Puglia Scarf ensures full warmth distribution around your neck, but in an intelligent, light and easy manner - with a quirky pull-through ability as part of its design.
Delight is kindled through novel pieces imbedded within the collection, making it wearable yet at the same time unique. Through this foray into fashion, Armano Gambino has brought together a collection that is delightful in its discovery of new ways of embodying knitwear.