Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian fashion designer who revolutionized modern style and built a global luxury empire, has died at the age of 91, his company announced on Thursday.
“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” the fashion house said in a statement.
Born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, northern Italy, Armani initially pursued medicine before shifting paths into fashion. He worked as a window dresser and menswear designer at Cerruti 1881 before launching his own label in 1975, with the encouragement of his partner Sergio Galeotti.
Nicknamed the “King of the Blazer,” Armani pioneered soft tailoring and fluid silhouettes that redefined both menswear and womenswear, making his muted palette of greys and beige synonymous with understated luxury. His designs gained global acclaim after Richard Gere wore Armani in the 1980 film American Gigolo, cementing his brand’s Hollywood ties.
Over the years, Armani’s creations became a red-carpet staple, worn by stars such as Diane Keaton, Jodie Foster, and Julia Roberts. By 2001, he was widely recognized as the most successful Italian designer of his era, credited with blending elegance and comfort in a way that changed fashion permanently.
Beyond clothing, Armani expanded into hotels, restaurants, cosmetics, and interior design, building a multibillion-dollar empire while remaining fiercely independent, rejecting offers to join larger luxury conglomerates. His empire generated £3.5 billion in 2021.
Asked in a 2022 interview how he wished to be remembered, Armani replied simply: “As a sincere man. I say what I mean.” His legacy as one of fashion’s greatest innovators and visionaries lives on across runways, red carpets, and in the enduring influence of his timeless designs.
