Giorgio Armani, the celebrated Italian fashion designer whose name became synonymous with elegance and modern sophistication, has passed away at the age of 91. His fashion house confirmed that he died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, following a long period of declining health. His absence marks the end of an era in the fashion world.
Armani’s legacy runs deep. In 1975, he founded his eponymous brand after working for several years as a designer in Milan. He revolutionized menswear by popularizing unstructured tailoring, the subtly relaxed jacket with no padding or lining that transformed office attire forever. Widely hailed as “Re Giorgio,” he earned a reputation for crafting minimalist, timeless designs that appealed to both men and women.
Over the decades, Giorgio Armani expanded his influence across fashion’s entire spectrum—from accessories, fragrances, and cosmetics to haute couture and red-carpet glamour. His designs became a fixture in Hollywood, dressing A-list celebrities for premieres and awards nights.
Beyond fashion, Armani built a global business empire. Today, his company generates over €2.3 billion in annual revenue, with ventures ranging from clothing and beauty to luxury hotels, restaurants, and even furniture. He also established the Armani/Silos museum in Milan, preserving his creative archives and celebrating decades of his work.
Armani’s impact extended beyond design into social responsibility and innovation. He partnered with global initiatives like Product Red and UNICEF to support causes such as water access and AIDS awareness. During the pandemic, his company converted factories to produce medical gowns and donated millions to hospitals across Italy. He was also among the first major designers to embrace sustainable fashion.
His influence on fashion’s aesthetic was profound. By stripping away excess and focusing on quality craftsmanship and clean lines, he reshaped how both men and women dressed professionally and formally. His red-carpet creations remained some of the most recognizable statements in Hollywood.
Armani’s passing leaves a void in the industry. Known for being deeply involved in every detail of his business—from collections to ad campaigns to model styling—he epitomized the concept of a designer as craftsperson and visionary.
As mourning begins in Milan, a public memorial chamber will be set up over the weekend, followed by a private funeral in the coming days. His legacy, however, will live on through every suit reframed, every fragrance spritzed, and every home adorned with Armani elegance.