Fashion Icon Giorgio Armani Passes Away at 91
Giorgio Armani, the iconic Italian designer who revolutionized fashion with his minimalist style and soft tailoring, has died at the age of 91. The news comes weeks before the 50th anniversary of his brand, marking the end of an era for an empire built on timeless elegance.
Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian fashion designer who revolutionized modern style with his signature relaxed tailoring and minimalist aesthetic, has died at the age of 91, his company announced on Thursday. The Armani Group described him as a "tireless driving force" who passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, just weeks before the 50th anniversary of his eponymous brand.
Born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, Italy, Armani rose from humble beginnings as a window dresser at Milan's La Rinascente department store to become one of the most influential figures in global fashion. After studying medicine briefly and working for Nino Cerruti in the 1960s, he founded Giorgio Armani S.p.A. in 1975 with his partner Sergio Galeotti, introducing collections that emphasized clean lines, soft fabrics, and androgynous silhouettes. Armani famously softened menswear and empowered womenswear with power suits, earning acclaim for pioneering red-carpet fashion in films like "American Gigolo" (1980), where Richard Gere showcased his designs.
Over decades, Armani built a sprawling empire valued at over $10 billion, expanding into lines like Emporio Armani, Armani Exchange, accessories, perfumes, home furnishings, and even hotels. The company reported €2.35 billion in revenue in 2023, making him Italy's second-richest person with a personal fortune of around $6.6 billion. Known as "Re Giorgio" (King Giorgio), Armani maintained tight control over every aspect of his brand, from runway shows to advertising, and was a trailblazer in ethical practices, banning underweight models after the 2006 death of Ana Carolina Reston.
Armani's health had been in question since June 2025, when he missed his Milan Men's Fashion Week show for the first time, recovering at home without details on his condition. In recent years, he openly discussed succession, favoring independence but not ruling out acquisitions or IPOs, with plans to divide control among his sister Rosanna, nieces, nephew, collaborator Pantaleo Dell’Orco, and a charitable foundation. "Independence from large groups could still be a driving value," he told Bloomberg in April 2024, emphasizing adaptation to changing times.
Tributes poured in from around the world following the announcement. Italian Prime Minister Antonio Tajani called Armani a "timeless talent and ambassador of Made in Italy," praising his visionary impact on elegance and national pride. Television host Simona Ventura posted on X: "Giorgio sei e sarai sempre il nostro RE. Grazie per averci fatto sentire orgogliosi di essere ITALIANI!!" (Giorgio, you are and will always be our KING. Thank you for making us proud to be ITALIAN!!). The fashion community mourned the loss, with the Armani Group stating: "We feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion, and dedication."
A public funeral chamber will be held in Milan this weekend, followed by a private ceremony. Armani had no children. He once reflected on his workaholic nature as his biggest regret, wishing for more time with friends and family. His death marks the end of an era, but his commitment to timeless style ensures his influence will endure in wardrobes and runways worldwide.