Legendary Fashion Designer Giorgio Armani Dies At 91

Giorgio Armani, the revered Italian fashion designer and entrepreneur, has died at the age of 91, passing away peacefully at his home in Milan surrounded by his loved ones. Armani was a transformative force in global fashion, celebrated for his understated elegance, innovative tailoring, and unwavering dedication to his craft.

Life and Legacy

Born in Piacenza, Italy, Armani began his fashion journey late by industry standards, founding his namesake brand in 1975 at age 40 alongside Sergio Galeotti. What started as a small Milanese label quickly grew into a worldwide empire, celebrated for revolutionary menswear and womenswear that shaped the look of the 1980s and forever altered the language of power dressing. His relaxed, sharply tailored suits, famously worn by Hollywood stars and global leaders, became symbols of modern sophistication.

A Visionary in Fashion

Armani’s approach combined creative brilliance with remarkable business acumen, expanding the Armani Group beyond clothing into luxury hotels, home goods, beauty, fragrances, and even sweet confections. He was known for closely overseeing every detail of his collections, advertising campaigns, and even the smallest aspects of runway presentations. His empire, still privately owned at his death, was valued at over $10 billion USD. Throughout his life, Armani remained an emblem of Italian elegance and ethical leadership in fashion, including being one of the first major designers to ban underweight models from his runway shows.

Mourning and Tributes

The Armani Group described him as its “tireless driving force,” working until his final days on upcoming collections and future projects. Prominent figures across fashion and entertainment, such as Donatella Versace, Richard Gere, and Victoria Beckham, expressed heartfelt tributes, citing his unrivaled artistry and profound humanity. Tributes from colleagues, employees, and world leaders also lauded Armani’s cultural and creative impact, with Italy’s Prime Minister noting, “He infused Italian fashion with brilliance and inspired the whole world” via People.

Final Arrangements

Armani’s passing follows a period of illness during which he missed several major fashion events for the first time in his career. The Armani Group announced that a memorial chamber will be open in Milan for the public to pay respects, with a private funeral to be held by family and close collaborators. The 50th anniversary of his legendary fashion house, which was to be celebrated this month during Milan Fashion Week, will now serve as a poignant testament to his incomparable influence.

Giorgio Armani leaves behind a fashion dynasty and a legacy defined by uncompromising elegance, visionary leadership, and enduring inspiration for generations to come.