Armand Basi
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Armand Basi (1924-January 9, 2009) was a Spanish businessman and fashion designer, co-founder of the fashion firm bearing his name.[1]
In 1948, along with his brother Josep (d. November 2007), Basi founded a small knitting company inspired by their mother Mercé Sabi's knitted sweaters.[2] By the end of the 1950s the business had expanded into a large textiles company, opening a factory on Balcells Street in Barcelona in 1958.[2] In 1961–62, the Basis signed an exclusive contract with Lacoste to manufacture and distribute Lacoste products in Spain.[1][2]
In 1986, Basi launched his eponymous fashion brand, which produced accessories, perfume, jewellery and watches, as well as clothing.[1] A footwear line was launched in 2005.[2] The Basis' cousin, Lluís Juste de Nin, who became creative director in 2000, worked as a designer for the firm.[1][2] Alongside de Nin, other designers included Mirian Ocariz, and in 2009, Markus Lupfer was head of womenswear while Josef Abril designed menswear.[2]
At the time of Basi's death from cancer in January 2009, there were branches in Antwerp, Moscow and London, and the business was in talks to enter the Chinese market.[1][2]