Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer who revolutionised fashion and built a global empire, has died aged 91.
His fashion house confirmed the news in a statement on Thursday.
“It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our founder, creator and tireless driving force,” the company said. “Mr Armani passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.”
Armani’s body will lie in state at the Armani/Teatro in Milan on Saturday and Sunday. The public will be able to pay their respects at the theatre, built as a showcase for his designs. His funeral will be private, in line with his wishes. Milan has declared a day of mourning.
Early life
Giorgio Armani was born in Piacenza in 1934. He studied medicine in Milan before leaving university to work in fashion. His early career began in the window dressing department at La Rinascente, one of Italy’s best-known department stores.
In the 1960s, Armani worked as a designer for Nino Cerruti, where he developed his skills in tailoring. In 1975, he co-founded Giorgio Armani S.p.A. with his partner Sergio Galeotti. The company grew rapidly, with Armani’s vision of understated luxury capturing the spirit of modern Italy.
Defining a style
Armani’s clean lines, neutral colours and relaxed tailoring defined the look of the 1980s. He stripped away stiff structure from jackets, creating a softer silhouette that became a hallmark of his brand.
The designer transformed both menswear and womenswear, championing elegance without excess. His clothes became a staple for professionals and celebrities alike, often described as the embodiment of effortless style.
Hollywood played a central role in Armani’s rise. Richard Gere’s Armani wardrobe in the 1980 film American Gigolo cemented his international reputation. Over the following decades, Armani dressed stars including Michelle Pfeiffer, Cate Blanchett, Jodie Foster, and Leonardo DiCaprio. His designs became fixtures on the red carpet.
A global brand
From a single clothing line, Armani built an empire spanning multiple industries. His business expanded into fragrances, cosmetics, accessories, eyewear, home furnishings, and luxury hotels. The Armani brand became one of the most recognisable in the world, representing Italian sophistication and global reach.
By the 2000s, Armani was one of the richest figures in fashion. Forbes estimated his fortune in the billions, though he remained deeply involved in the creative direction of his company. Unlike many rivals, he resisted selling to luxury conglomerates, keeping his business independent.
Dedication and vision
The company said Armani remained devoted to his work until the very end. “Tireless, he worked until his final days, devoted to the company, its collections and to ever new projects,” the statement read.
Armani was known for discipline and precision, qualities reflected in his designs and in the running of his company. Yet he also embraced innovation. He was an early advocate of sustainable fabrics and adapted his shows to new digital platforms.
“Over the years, Giorgio Armani created a vision that extended to every aspect of living, anticipating the times with extraordinary clarity and pragmatism,” his company said. “He was guided by inexhaustible curiosity, attention to the present and to people.”
Recognition and legacy
Armani received countless awards and honours during his career, including Italy’s highest honour – title of “Cavaliere”. He was celebrated for his contribution to fashion as well as his influence on design, business and culture. His work came to represent not only Italian style but also a distinctly modern way of life.
He remained a private figure, rarely speaking about his personal life. Armani never married and often said his work was his greatest passion. He maintained close ties with his family and protected the independence of his brand.
As his company said in tribute: “In this journey he built an open dialogue with the public, becoming a beloved and respected figure for his ability to communicate with everyone.”
