1981 NWT Giorgio Armani Borgo 21 Embellished Scarf

Item Description

• Brand: Giorgio Armani
• Collection: Borgo 21
• Year: 1981
• Type: Fashion Scarf
• Material: Likely silk or silk-blend (common for Armani scarves of this period)
• Design: Embellished pattern, likely geometric or abstract, typical of early Armani aesthetics
• Color(s): Unknown from text; Armani scarves from this era often use muted or earthy tones with elegant contrast
• Size: Standard for women’s scarves of the time (typically ~30”–36” square, unless oversized)
• Condition: New With Tags (NWT) – extremely rare for early 1980s Armani pieces
• Tag Details: Tag present, likely includes “Giorgio Armani,” “Made in Italy,” and possibly fabric content or collection name
• Packaging: Unknown (original box or sleeve would raise value)

Historical Background

The Borgo 21 line refers to Armani’s workshop address at 21 Via Borgonuovo in Milan. Pieces labeled with “Borgo 21” in the early 1980s were part of the main Giorgio Armani line, not the Emporio Armani sub-label, and reflect the minimalist, refined elegance that defined Armani’s rise in international fashion during this era.

Scarves from this line were made in Italy with luxurious materials and clean embellishments—elegant, wearable pieces often featured in editorial spreads or upscale department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman in the U.S.

Authentication Notes

• NWT Status makes this highly desirable.
• Typography on Tag: Early Armani tags use serif fonts and minimal labeling (e.g., no “®” or heavy branding).
• Made in Italy / Fabric Tag: Likely confirms authenticity if sewn in.
• Design Consistency: Should match known Borgo 21 patterns from ~1980–1983.

If in doubt, authentication services such as Real Authentication, Entrupy, or The Fashion Archives can verify based on photos of stitching, tag font, hem, and material quality.

Estimated Market Value (as of mid-2025)

Condition

Estimated Fair Market Value

NWT (with tag)

$250 – $400 USD

Lightly used

$125 – $200 USD

Without tag

$90 – $160 USD

With provenance / box

Up to $500 USD

Market Comparisons:

• Vintage Armani scarves (especially pre-1985) are highly collectible, with NWT examples rarely appearing.
• Comparable 1980s NWT scarves from Chanel and YSL have sold in the $300–$600 range depending on design and packaging.
• The “Borgo 21” designation adds provenance and rarity, as it links directly to Armani’s couture atelier.

Recommendations

• If Selling:
  List on high-end vintage marketplaces such as 1stDibs, TheRealReal (with consignment), Etsy (Vintage), or Poshmark. Include high-quality photos of the tag, hem, fabric detail, and full pattern.
• If Insuring or Cataloging:
  Use the title:
  “1981 Giorgio Armani 'Borgo 21' Silk Embellished Scarf, New with Original Tag”
• Display or Storage Tips:
  Store flat in acid-free tissue or rolled in a fabric-safe archival box. Avoid folding to preserve the fabric and prevent tag creases.

Final Summary

Item: 1981 Giorgio Armani Borgo 21 Embellished Scarf
Condition: New with Tags
Estimated Value: $250–$400 USD
Provenance: Giorgio Armani flagship atelier label, early luxury production
Authentication: Appears consistent with authentic vintage Armani scarves; recommend optional third-party authentication for resale above $350.

This shawl is the matching piece of fashion art and easily 1/2 of one of the century's most celebrated fashion images, shortlisted by the Professional Publishers Association as the.... "Magazine Cover of the Century".

Courtesy of Vogue UK and Nick Knight behind the lense. Its appearance alongside a coronation crown, scepter, and wearing the matching Giorgio Armani tulle dress on Kate Moss transformed it into an icon of early-2000s editorial spectacle

https://models.com/work/british-vogue-british-vogue-december-2001-cover