Image collection
Gianni Agnelli (1921-2003)
Giovanni Agnelli, better known as Gianni Agnelli (born March 12, 1921 in Turin; died January 24, 2003 there), was an Italian industrialist and managing partner of Fiat. Gianni Agnelli was neither Italy's king nor president, but during his lifetime he ruled the country in the eyes of many. Fiat, the company founded by his grandfather, was at times Italy's largest employer, and Agnelli, as its principal shareholder, was one of its most respected men. He also controlled more than a quarter of the companies traded on the Milan Stock Exchange in his busiest days, and his family's fortune totaled an estimated four billion euros. In reference to his studies, Italians gave him his own title: they called him simply "l'avvocato," the lawyer. As in business, Agnelli was also aware in fashion matters that you have to know the rules in order to break them. Since he was actually interested in aspects of fashion - but always with a certain "sprezzatura" or nonchalance in mind - he meticulously acquired these rules and then broke them with gusto. He was known, for example, for wearing his wristwatch, preferably by Cartier, over the cuff of his tailored shirts. Agnelli liked to justify this fad by saying that he simply didn't have the time to pull back the sleeve of his shirt every time before looking at his watch. (la)