The world of fashion is in mourning as Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian designer whose timeless elegance redefined global style, has died at 91.
The Armani Group confirmed his passing on Thursday, announcing that the billionaire designer died peacefully at his home in Milan, surrounded by loved ones.
Although the cause of death was not disclosed, his absence from recent shows had already sparked concerns about his health.
“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” the company stated.
“Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections and the many ongoing projects.”
According to his wishes, a private funeral will be held, while a public memorial at the Armani/Teatro in Milan this weekend will allow admirers to pay their respects.
A funeral chamber will be open between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. for fans and colleagues to honor his memory.
Italy’s President Giorgia Meloni paid tribute, writing: “With his elegance, sobriety, and creativity, he was able to bring lustre to Italian fashion and inspire the entire world.
An icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best of Italy. Thank you for everything.”
Fellow designers and celebrities also expressed their grief. Donatella Versace described him as “a giant who will be remembered forever,” while Ralph Lauren said he had “the deepest respect and admiration” for Armani.
Actress Julia Roberts, who famously wore an Armani suit to the Golden Globes in 1990, called him “a true friend, a legend.”
Armani, whose net worth was estimated at $12.1 billion by Forbes, built one of the largest luxury empires in fashion.
Known as Re Giorgio (King Giorgio), he pioneered a minimalist, elegant style that influenced both men’s and women’s fashion across decades.
His signature “Armani suit” of the late 1970s and the introduction of the women’s power suit in the 1980s cemented his place in history.
He dressed some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, Lady Gaga, and Julia Roberts, while also designing costumes for over 200 films, most notably American Gigolo starring Richard Gere.
This year marked the 50th anniversary of the Armani brand.
He had been expected to headline Milan Fashion Week, but his absence in June was the first in decades, as he reportedly oversaw shows remotely due to illness.
“My greatest weakness is that I am in control of everything,” Armani recently told the Financial Times.
“Everything you will see has been done under my direction and carries my approval.”
Armani’s empire extended beyond clothing to fragrances, furniture, restaurants, clubs, and even sports. He owned the EA7 Armani Milan basketball team, also known as Olimpia Milano.
Over his lifetime, he received top honors, including the French Legion of Honour and Italy’s Order of Merit for Labour.
Dame Anna Wintour, former Vogue editor-in-chief, summed it up best: “He understood power and attitude and elegance as well as anyone ever has in fashion.”
