Fashion Icon Giorgio Armani Dies at 91, Leaving a Legacy of Timeless Elegance

Giorgio Armani, the visionary Italian fashion designer who redefined modern style and built a global empire, passed away on September 4, 2025, at the age of 91.

His company, the Armani Group, confirmed his death, remembering him as the "creator, founder and tireless driving force" behind the esteemed brand. Armani's passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that has profoundly influenced fashion, cinema, and lifestyle.

Born in Piacenza, Italy, in 1934, Armani initially pursued medical studies before a part-time job as a window dresser ignited his passion for fashion. He began his career in the fashion industry in 1957, working as a buyer for La Rinascente department store in Milan, and later honed his skills designing menswear for Nino Cerruti. In 1975, alongside his partner Sergio Galeotti, Armani founded Giorgio Armani S.p.A., launching his first ready-to-wear collections for men and women.

Armani revolutionized menswear with his signature unstructured jackets and a muted color palette, establishing a new standard for power dressing in the 1980s. His minimalist and elegant designs offered a sense of ease and sophistication, liberating fashion from rigid structures. This distinctive style, often characterized by clean lines and a blend of masculine and feminine aesthetics, earned him the moniker "King Giorgio." His influence extended beyond the runway, significantly shaping red carpet fashion and dressing countless celebrities, cementing "Italian elegance" on the global stage. The film "American Gigolo" in 1980, featuring Richard Gere in Armani's designs, was a pivotal moment that propelled his international fame.

Beyond his core fashion lines, including Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, and Armani Privé, Armani's empire expanded into a vast lifestyle brand. His ventures included Armani Casa for interiors, fragrances, accessories, hotels, and even ownership of the basketball team Olimpia Milano. By 2001, he was recognized as the most successful designer of Italian origin, and at the time of his death, his empire was valued at over $12.1 billion. In 2024, the Armani Group reported revenues of approximately $2.7 billion.

In his later years, Armani faced some health challenges. He missed Milan Fashion Week in June 2025 due to bronchitis, marking his first absence from a runway presentation. Despite these health concerns, he remained deeply involved in his brand, remotely overseeing collections and projects. In a final interview, Armani reflected on his career, noting that while age was a factor, his greatest regret was spending too much time working and not enough time with loved ones.

Giorgio Armani's enduring legacy is set to be carried forward by his foundation and close family members, including his sister Rosanna, nieces Silvana and Roberta, and nephew Andrea Camerana, alongside his long-time collaborator Leo Dell'Orco. This carefully planned succession aims to ensure the continued independence and vision of the fashion house he meticulously built over decades. A public memorial chamber will be open in Milan on September 6 and 7, 2025, allowing admirers to pay their respects.