Giorgio Armani Passes Away at 91

Legendary Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani, has died. He was 91.

'With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani. Il Signor Armani, as he was always respectfully and admiringly called by employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and the many ongoing and future projects.

 

Over the years, Giorgio Armani has crafted a vision that expanded from fashion to every aspect of life, anticipating the times with extraordinary clarity and pragmatism. He has been driven by relentless curiosity and a deep attention to the present and to people. Along this journey, he established an open dialogue with the public, becoming a beloved and respected figure for his ability to connect with everyone. Always mindful of the needs of the community, he has been active on many fronts, especially in support of his beloved Milan.

 

Giorgio Armani is a company with fifty years of history, built with emotion and patience. Giorgio Armani always made independence - of thought and action - his hallmark. The company is, now and always, a reflection of this spirit. His family and employees will carry the Group forward in respect and continuity of these values,'

the Armani Group said in a statement.

The official statement did not specify a cause of death but added that a funeral chamber will be set up on Saturday and Sunday in Milan, followed by a private funeral at an unspecified date.

The news of the Fashion Moguls passing comes approximately two and a half months after his absence from the Spring/Summer 2026 runway shows of the brand during Milan Fashion Week which sparked concern among fans and the fashion community, as it was unprecedented in his career.

Born July 11, 1934 in the northern region of Italy in Piacenza to Ugo Armani, an accountant for a transport company, and Maria Raimondi, his early life was shaped by the hardships of World War II. Growing up he aspired to pursue a career in medicine and enrolled at the University of Milan in the 1950s, but dropped out after three years to join the army, where he served for two years at the Military Hospital in Verona.

His entry into fashion industry started with a job in 1957 as a window dresser and sales clerk at La Rinascente, a department store in Milan. Seven years later he became a menswear designer for Nino Cerruti and pn July 24, 1975, founded Giorgio Armani S.p.A. his own ready-to-wear label for men and women alongside his late partner architect Sergio Galeotti who passed away in 1985.

Armani is best known for redefining traditional menswear and womenswear with an androgynous approach by introducing the 'power suit' which became a cultural phenomenon in the 1980s. His signature aesthetic - clean lines, neutral tones, and luxurious fabrics earned him accolades from critics for decades.

In 1979, Armani solidified his status as a trailblazer in international fashion with the formation of the Giorgio Armani Corporation. The corporation broadened his influence by diversifying into new lines such as the lower-priced Emporio Armani in 1981 (aimed at a younger, trend-conscious audience), followed by Armani Beauty in 1982 offering high-end cosmetics and fragrances that embodied his signature elegance, and Armani Exchange in 1991, with affordable, urban-inspired casualwear.

Armani's influence extended beyond the runway reaching into Hollywood and pop culture with his designs for Richard Gere in American Gigolo (1980) and Julia Roberts' menswear-inspired look at the 1990 Golden Globes. As a result he became the go-to designer for Hollywood red carpet events with stars like Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Lady Gaga, and Leonardo DiCaprio wearing his creations.

By the late 1990s, Armani's empire grew to encompass over 200 stores worldwide and generating annual revenues of approximately USD 2 billion. In 2005, he expanded his creative repertoire with the launch of Armani Prive, his debut haute couture line, showcased annually in Paris. He ventured into hospitality with the opening of the Armani Hotel Dubai in 2010 and the Armani Hotel Milano in 2011, followed by the launch of Armani/Dolci, a high-end sweets collection featuring chocolates and confections, and an upscale Armani/Ristorante in New York City in 2024.

Over the years Armani resisted acquisition by conglomerates like LVMH and Kering ensuring his vision remained uncompromised as the sole shareholder. In 2016, he established a succession plan, entrusting his legacy to his niece Roberta Armani, collaborator Leo Dell'Orco, and a foundation to preserve his brand's ethos. At the time of his passing in 2025, Armani's net worth was estimated at USD 12.1 billion, making him one of Italy's wealthiest individuals.

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