In 1952, Aldo traveled to New York City with his brothers Rodolfo and Vasco.[1] They opened the first store outside of Italy in New York City, only two weeks before their father's death.[2] President John F Kennedy heralded Aldo as the first Italian Ambassador to fashion[5] and he was awarded an honorary degree by the City University of New York in recognition of his philanthropic activity, described as the "Michelangelo of Merchandising".[6] He went on to open shops in Chicago, Palm Beach and Beverly Hills, before expanding to Tokyo, Hong Kong and in cities around the world through a global franchising network.