In March 1990, the fashion trade publication Women’s Wear Daily proclaimed the Oscars to be “The Armani Awards.”

The photograph on its cover was of Michelle Pfeiffer, who was nominated for best actress for her role as a sultry singer in “The Fabulous Baker Boys.”

She wore a black, long-sleeve dress by Giorgio Armani.

When Denzel Washington won an Oscar that year for best supporting actor for his role in the Civil War drama, “Glory," he wore a classic black tuxedo, also by Armani.

Others in the crowd decked out in the designer’s clothes included Jodie Foster, Julia Roberts and nearly every talent representative from Creative Artists Agency and William Morris.

Before Madonna made Jean Paul Gaultier’s cone bras world famous and before Jennifer Lopez ate the red carpet in her plunging jungle print Versace gown, Giorgio Armani, who died Thursday at 91, blazed a trail as a designer with a worldwide army of celebrity spokespeople.