Giorgio Armani, a titan of global fashion who redefined understated style, has left an indelible mark on the world at the age of 91. His passing marks the end of an era for Italian design.
According to AP News, Armani died peacefully at home on Thursday, surrounded by loved ones. The fashion house confirmed he remained dedicated to his work until his final days.
His absence from Milan Fashion Week in June 2025, a first for the designer during Spring-Summer 2026 menswear previews, hinted at health struggles. Yet, he was planning a grand celebration for the 50th anniversary of his signature brand this month.
Born in 1934 in Piacenza, a quiet town south of Milan, Armani initially dreamed of a medical career before a department store job shifted his path to fashion. By 1975, with partner Sergio Galeotti, he launched his menswear label, followed by womenswear a year later.
His breakthrough came in the late 1970s with the unlined jacket, a symbol of relaxed elegance that reshaped Italian ready-to-wear. This silhouette, paired with soft fabrics and muted tones, became a staple from boardrooms to Hollywood red carpets.
Armani’s vision wasn’t about fleeting trends but practical beauty, as he often said, “I design for real people.” That ethos built a loyal following among the powerful and famous, dressing them in timeless style.
The 1980 film “American Gigolo” cemented Armani’s status, turning Richard Gere into a heartthrob and the designer into a household name. His Hollywood ties led to credits in over 200 films, with stars like Sean Penn and Anne Hathaway shining in his creations at the Oscars.
Beyond clothing, Armani’s empire, valued at over $10 billion, spanned accessories, perfumes, home furnishings, and even chocolates. He also owned restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels in Dubai and Milan, and the Olympia Milano basketball team.
His personal style, marked by dark trousers, T-shirts, and minimalist homes, mirrored his design philosophy of effortless grace. That discipline turned creative flair into a business juggernaut, always under his sole control.
Armani’s influence extended beyond fabric, earning a 2000 retrospective at New York’s Guggenheim Museum for his first 25 years in fashion. He later opened Armani Silos in Milan and, just last month, launched Archivio Armani, a digital archive for his 50th anniversary.
He gave back through charity, supporting children’s causes and AIDS initiatives, and served as a U.N. goodwill ambassador for refugees in 2002. His quiet generosity matched the sobriety of his designs, reflecting a deep sense of duty.
While Armani avoided discussing succession, he established a foundation to preserve his legacy and named longtime collaborator Leo Dell’Orco and niece Silvana Armani to lead creatively. His empire employs over 9,000, with women holding half the executive roles, a rarity in the industry.
Tributes poured in from peers like Donatella Versace, who called him a history-maker to be remembered forever, and Julia Roberts, who mourned a true friend and legend. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni hailed his elegance and creativity as symbols of Italy’s finest spirit.
A public viewing is set for Saturday and Sunday at the Armani Theater in Milan, where he unveiled countless collections, though his funeral will remain private. Survived by sister Rosanna, nephew Andrea Camerana, and nieces Silvana and Roberta, his family was his anchor.
Armani’s passing closes a chapter on a man who dressed the world with quiet power, proving that true style needs no loud proclamation. His work endures as a reminder that simplicity, done right, outlasts any trend.
