Renowned Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani, one of the most influential figures in modern fashion, has died at the age of 91, his company announced on Thursday. The Armani Group confirmed his passing in a statement, describing him as its “creator, founder, and tireless driving force,” and expressing “infinite sorrow” at the loss.
Armani, widely regarded as the embodiment of Italian style and elegance, built a global empire that blended creative vision with business acumen. His fashion house, known for its sleek tailoring and understated sophistication, grew into a powerhouse generating annual revenues of around €2.3 billion ($2.7 billion). For decades, his designs defined red-carpet glamour and corporate chic, making his name synonymous with timeless luxury.
The designer had been in declining health in recent months and was notably absent from Milan’s Men’s Fashion Week in June, marking the first time in his long career that he missed one of his own shows. Nicknamed “Re Giorgio” – King Giorgio – Armani was famous for his hands-on approach, overseeing every aspect of his collections and business, from advertising campaigns to last-minute adjustments on models before they walked the runway.
Tributes are expected to pour in from across the fashion industry, where Armani’s influence has been profound. His work reshaped global style from Hollywood to high finance, with his minimalist suits and eveningwear setting new standards for elegance. He also became one of the few designers to retain full control of his business, maintaining independence in an industry increasingly dominated by large luxury conglomerates.
A funeral chamber will be open to the public in Milan this weekend, allowing admirers to pay their respects, followed by a private funeral at a later date. Armani leaves behind not only a global fashion empire but also a lasting legacy as one of the architects of contemporary design, whose vision will continue to shape the industry for generations.
