Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian designer who built one of the world’s most influential fashion empires, has passed away at the age of 91. His company confirmed on Thursday that he died peacefully, surrounded by family.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our founder and creative force, Giorgio Armani,” the Armani Group said in a statement.
Armani launched his fashion house in Milan in 1975 and quickly rose to global acclaim, dressing Hollywood stars and redefining modern elegance. Known as “Il Signor Armani” by those who worked with him, he remained dedicated to his craft until the very end, still involved in shaping collections and projects in his final days.
His funeral will be private, though the public will have an opportunity to pay their respects at a memorial chamber in Milan this weekend.
The designer had recently scaled back public appearances due to health concerns, skipping his Paris couture show for the first time this year on doctors’ orders. Still, he emphasized that every detail carried his approval, saying, “I followed and oversaw every aspect of the show remotely.”
Armani’s impact stretched far beyond clothing. He pioneered red-carpet fashion, introduced younger audiences to luxury through Emporio Armani, and expanded into lifestyle ventures, from fragrances to five-star hotels. His passing comes just weeks before the 50th anniversary of his iconic label.
Tributes have poured in across Italy and beyond. Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli described him as “a master of elegance who turned fashion into a universal language.” He praised Armani’s ability to merge style, cinema, and society, calling him not only a designer but also “a true ambassador of Italian identity worldwide.”
