By Deborah Nnamdi
Giorgio Armani, the legendary designer who brought Italian elegance to the global stage and revolutionized fashion with his minimalist aesthetic, has died at the age of 91. His eponymous fashion house confirmed his passing on Thursday, describing him as its “creator, founder, and tireless driving force.”
Widely known as “Re Giorgio” – King Giorgio – Armani was not only a symbol of Italian style but a visionary entrepreneur. Over five decades, he transformed his brand into a fashion empire, generating over 2.3 billion euros ($2.7 billion) in annual turnover, while remaining proudly independent.
Armani had been unwell for some time and was notably absent from June’s Milan Men’s Fashion Week – the first time he missed one of his own runway shows. His company said a funeral chamber would be open to the public in Milan this coming weekend, followed by a private ceremony at a later date.
“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator,” the company said in a statement. “We, the employees and family members who have always worked alongside Mr. Armani, commit to protecting what he built and to carrying his company forward in his memory — with respect, responsibility, and love.”
Throughout his career, Armani remained deeply involved in every facet of his business, from design and advertising to adjusting a model’s hair backstage. Despite his global fame, he was known for his humility and warmth.
“He treated everyone as equals and felt at ease among young people,” recalled Mauro Barbieri, who worked in the Milan warehouse for over 30 years. “He’d laugh with us, invite us to dinners and birthdays at his villa. He was really down to earth.”
Armani’s influence extended far beyond Italy. His understated, sharp tailoring — especially for women — became a hallmark of professional style in the U.S. during the 1970s and ’80s, helping women navigate a male-dominated corporate world with quiet strength and elegance.
“His clients wore his designs for decades,” said Virginia Hill, a fashion historian based in Italy. “They married into his philosophy — especially professional women, who saw in him a new kind of power dressing.”
He famously dressed Hollywood stars, most notably Julia Roberts, who wore an Armani men’s suit to the 1990 Golden Globes. In tribute, Roberts shared a photo of herself with the designer on Instagram, captioned with a broken heart emoji and the words: “A true friend. A legend.”
Though Armani never married and had no children, he remained surrounded by a close circle of trusted collaborators and family members. His nieces Silvana and Roberta Armani, nephew Andrea Camerana, and longtime lieutenant Pantaleo Dell’Orco are expected to lead the company forward.
This month, during Milan Fashion Week, the house of Armani had planned a series of events and exhibitions to celebrate its 50th anniversary — a milestone that now becomes a moment of remembrance.
For many, the end of Giorgio Armani’s life marks the end of an era — but not the end of his legacy.
“For me, it was when everything was really taking off that I thought — one day, this will all slow down and life will return to normal,” he once said.
Now, the world of fashion prepares for life after Armani — though his vision, discipline, and sense of style will endure.
Source: Reuters
