Launched in 1991 in the US, A|X Armani Exchange is the youthful label by Giorgio Armani, offering a more accessible price point than the designer’s main line. The brand is chic and is said to be often imitated due to its success.
Armani Exchange is widely popular because of its high-end designs and materials. The brand is also popular among celebrities, which adds to its branding and reputation. On the other hand, the brand offers more affordable products than its parent brand, Giorgio Armani.
That being said, this raises some questions, particularly on brands under the luxury ones whether or not a sub-brand of a luxury inherits the same status of the latter. So, is Armani Exchange considered a luxury brand? Let’s check and find out!
Is Armani Exchange A Luxury Brand?
Armani Exchange is not a luxury brand but a designer label. The brand offers beautiful, high-end designs made with quality materials. However, they are not the same seen in luxury items. Additionally, it is more accessible than its parent brand, Giorgio Armani, in terms of pricing and availability.
Here are the reasons why Armani Exchange is not a luxury brand.
1. The Quality
The key difference that sets luxury brands apart is the focus on quality over quantity. Luxury brands produce fewer items with a higher level of craftsmanship. The idea is that the customer is paying for the exclusivity and attention to detail that goes into each piece.
Armani Exchange, on the other hand, focuses on style over substance. The brand produces a large number of items with less attention to detail. Although for the record, Armani Exchange products are still well-crafted, it’s just that it doesn’t share the same level of quality as its parent label.
2. The Materials
Armani Exchange uses high-end materials but not the same luxurious materials used by its parent label. This is one of the reasons why Armani Exchange products are more affordable
Luxury brands use the finest materials to create their products. This is why luxury items tend to be more expensive than regular designer items..
3. The Pricing
Luxury brands command a higher price point because of the quality of their materials and craftsmanship. Armani Exchange products are less expensive than those from Giorgio Armani’s.
For reference, menswear could cost approximately $24 to $600, while womenswear starts from $15 to $450. The prices vary depending on the items from the basic to the more intricate ones. Nonetheless, the prices are relatively way more affordable compared to luxury products in the market.
4. The Branding
Armani Exchange may or may not be less popular and known to everyday people about its existence. This is unlike Giorgio Armani, the parent brand, that is one of the most well-known luxury brands in the world.
And although Armani Echange has a strong association with its parent brand, it doesn’t have the same level of recognition.
5. It Is A Young Brand
Armani Exchange is a younger brand as it was only launched in the early 1990s. And, unfortunately, it did not inherit the luxury status of Girogio Armani. This is because from the moment Armani Exchange was launched, the intention is to target a younger, more casual market.
6. Where It Is Made
Armani Exchange products are said to be manufactured in various countries such as Italy and many Asian countries. It is unlike its parent brand where all of its products are made in Italy. The use of different countries to make Armani Exchange products could also be one of the reasons why it is not considered a luxury brand.
7. Target Market
The target market for Armani Exchange is the younger and more casual consumers. Although Armani Exchange products are of good quality, the main focus is still on style. In fact, the brand’s advertising and marketing campaigns to that goal. This is in contrast to its Giorgio Armani’s, which markets itself to an older, more sophisticated crowd.
Does Armani Exchange Hold Value?
Due to the affordability of its products, Armani Exchange products don’t hold value. This is in contrast to luxury brands, where the customer is paying for the quality and exclusivity of the product. Armani Exchange products are more likely to be found on sale or at a discount.
In fact, when you go to the brand’s website, you’ll find a dedicated page for its sale’s page. It offers many of its products at discounted prices—up to 50% off, at most. You’re unlikely to find such steep discounts on luxury brands’ websites. In short, many of its products are not investment pieces with the thought of reselling them in the future.
Armani Exchange may be a good alternative for those who want designer items but can’t afford the high price tag of luxury brands. However, it’s important to remember that you’re not getting the same quality as you would from a true luxury brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Armani Exchange a cheap brand?
In general, it is safe to say that Armani Exchange is the most accessible and affordable line within the Armani family. On the other hand, for an average person, the price offerings for many of its products may still be not so much affordable. This is because the price range of Armani Exchange is in between expensive mass-market brands and true luxury brands.
What is the difference between Armani Exchange and Emporio Armani?
The main difference between Armani Exchange and Emporio Armani is that the former is more affordable than the latter. Emporio Armani products are made of better materials with a focus on quality, while Armani Exchange products are more style-focused.
Who made Armani Exchange?
Armani Exchange was founded by Giorgio Armani in 1991. Thus, the brand is still under the Armani family which is why even though it offers more affordable products than the Giorgio Armani brand, the quality is still at par at some points but not exactly the same.
