Legendary fashion designer Giorgio Armani, whose name became synonymous with timeless elegance, has died at the age of 91.
The Italian visionary behind the Armani empire passed away peacefully in Milan, surrounded by loved ones, his fashion house confirmed on Monday.
A statement from the company described him as the “creator, founder, and tireless driving force” who worked right up until his final days.
A Global Fashion Powerhouse
Armani, who launched his label in 1975, built it into one of the world’s most successful luxury fashion houses, with reported revenues of $2.4 billion last year.
Over nearly five decades, he dressed some of the biggest stars in Hollywood and beyond, including Lady Gaga, Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, and Cate Blanchett.
Often referred to simply as “Il Signor Armani” in Italy, he was widely admired not only for his design genius but also for his independence, having resisted selling his company to larger fashion conglomerates.
Indefatigable to the End
In its tribute, the Armani Group said: “Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and the many ongoing and future projects.”
The brand said Armani’s legacy stretched far beyond clothing, shaping lifestyles, architecture, and even sports through his partnerships with football clubs and Olympic teams.
Legacy of Style
Known as the master of understated glamour, Armani revolutionised fashion in the 1980s with his sleek, soft-shouldered suits.
His minimalist tailoring became a global symbol of modern luxury, replacing the loud, structured looks of the 1970s with clean lines and subtle sophistication.
Hollywood soon embraced his designs, with Armani providing iconic red-carpet looks for generations of A-listers and reshaping the very idea of celebrity style.
A Private Funeral
The company confirmed that a private funeral will be held “in accordance with his explicit wishes.”
A public funeral chamber will be set up this weekend in Milan at Via Bergognone 59, allowing admirers to pay their respects.
Concerns Over His Health
Speculation over Armani’s health had grown in recent months. In June, he missed both the Emporio Armani and Giorgio Armani shows during Milan Men’s Fashion Week — the first time in his career he had been absent from one of his own runways.
At the time, the company said he was “recovering at home” from an undisclosed condition, though he continued to oversee the collections remotely.
The Last Golden Age Star
Armani’s manager, Sue Cameron, once described him as “the last living golden god of film and fashion.”
Industry insiders hailed him as a pioneer who fought for creative independence, often challenging studio demands and corporate pressures to stay true to his vision.
Even in the 1950s and 60s, Armani was known for rejecting attempts to dictate his creative output — famously wiping off makeup stylists forced on him by producers.
Tributes From Fashion Icons
Tributes have poured in from across the fashion world.
Fellow designer Donatella Versace led condolences, calling him “a giant” and saying, “He made history and will be remembered forever.”
Hollywood star Julia Roberts also paid tribute on Instagram, posting a photograph of herself with Armani alongside the words: “A true friend. A legend.”
Building an Empire
From suits to perfumes, hotels to homeware, Armani built a global brand that extended into every corner of luxury living.
Unlike many of his contemporaries, he resisted being absorbed by multinational fashion groups, choosing instead to remain independent.
This independence, he said, was his most prized asset: “Even today I hold my independence close. It’s what’s most precious to me. Passion. Risk. Tenacity. Consistency. This is my professional history.”
Influence in Hollywood
His influence on film and red-carpet fashion cannot be overstated.
Armani dressed Richard Gere in “American Gigolo” (1980), a movie that introduced his sharp tailoring to a global audience and cemented his role as the go-to designer for Hollywood stars.
His understated designs redefined men’s and women’s power dressing in an era of rising corporate ambition.
A Life of Discipline
Born in Piacenza, northern Italy, in 1934, Armani studied medicine before switching to fashion.
After working as a window dresser and then at Nino Cerruti, he eventually launched his own label in the mid-1970s with his business partner, Sergio Galeotti.
Discipline and work ethic defined him throughout his life. He famously gave up personal relationships to dedicate himself fully to his career.
“I did what I wanted,” he once said. “I have no regrets. I learned along the way while finding myself as an entrepreneur.”
An Eternal Legacy
For Milan, Armani was more than just a designer.
He was a civic figure who supported the city through philanthropy and cultural projects, ensuring Milan remained a global capital of fashion.
The Armani Group pledged to continue his vision, stating: “The company is, now and always, a reflection of his spirit. His family and employees will carry the group forward in respect and continuity of these values.”
The Final Curtain
Armani’s death marks the end of an era in global fashion.
For nearly half a century, he defined modern elegance, shaped cultural icons, and built a brand that will outlive him.
While his funeral will be private, the legacy he leaves behind is profoundly public — stitched into red carpets, city skylines, and wardrobes across the world.
As tributes continue to pour in, one message stands out: Giorgio Armani was not just a designer — he was a cultural architect whose influence will never fade.
