Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer who redefined modern elegance and became one of the most powerful figures in global fashion, has died at the age of 91. His company, which he founded and led for nearly half a century, announced his passing on Thursday, calling him its “creator, founder, and tireless driving force.”
“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.
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Often described as the embodiment of Italian style, Armani built an empire that blended creativity with sharp business instinct. From men’s tailoring to women’s suits, from fragrances to luxury hotels, his brand grew into a global powerhouse. He remained the sole owner of the business throughout his life, steering it with the same attention to detail that earned him the nickname “Re Giorgio” – King Giorgio – in Italy.
Armani’s influence lay in his ability to strip away excess and create clothes that spoke of understated confidence. His soft-shouldered men’s suits became a defining look of the 1980s, worn by actors, business leaders and statesmen alike. For women, he reimagined tailoring in ways that gave power dressing a new sophistication, cementing his reputation as a designer who bridged the worlds of glamour and authority.
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His vision extended well beyond the catwalk. Armani expanded into beauty, accessories, music, sport and even luxury hotels, ensuring his name became synonymous with a broader lifestyle of refinement and elegance. He was also a trailblazer in tackling industry issues, becoming the first designer to ban underweight models from his runways after the death of a young Brazilian model in 2006 from anorexia.
The news of his death prompted an outpouring of tributes. Donatella Versace described him as a “giant” who “made history and will be remembered forever.”
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The company said a funeral chamber will be set up this weekend in Milan, the city Armani made his home, before a private funeral. “We, the employees and the 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,” the Armani Group said in a statement.
Born in Piacenza in 1934, Armani initially studied medicine before moving into fashion in the 1960s. He launched his label in 1975 with his late partner Sergio Galeotti, building it into one of the world’s most recognisable brands. Despite controversies along the way — including criticism for past remarks about sexuality and a tax settlement with Italian authorities in 2014 — his reputation as a pioneer and perfectionist remained intact.
Away from fashion, Armani’s passions included sport. A lifelong Inter Milan supporter, he also owned the Olimpia Milano basketball team and maintained close ties with athletes and sporting institutions. His contributions earned him the French Legion of Honour and Italy’s Order of Merit for Labour, cementing his status as a cultural ambassador as well as a businessman.
