The Armani Group confirmed on September 4 that Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian designer who shaped modern style, has died at the age of 91. In a statement, the company said he “passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.” The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Although his funeral will be private, a public chapel of rest has been arranged at the Armani/Teatro in Milan, where admirers can pay their respects. Over the weekend, thousands were expected to line up, a testament to his reach that extended well beyond the fashion world.
From Medicine to Fashion
Born in Piacenza, Italy, in 1934, Armani began his studies in medicine before realizing during his military service that the field was not for him. After leaving school, he worked as a window dresser at La Rinascente in Milan, where his instinct for design and proportion began to flourish. He later joined Nino Cerruti as an assistant before starting freelance design work.
In 1975, Armani launched his own label with his partner Sergio Galeotti. His first collections for men and women presented a new kind of tailoring with softer lines, muted colors, and a sense of ease that contrasted sharply with the rigid suits of the era. By the early 1980s, Armani had become a global name, boosted by Richard Gere’s wardrobe in the film American Gigolo.
Building an Empire
What began with a handful of suits grew into a lifestyle brand spanning fragrances, home furnishings, eyewear, and hotels. Sub-labels like Emporio Armani, Armani Exchange, and Armani Casa helped expand his reach across generations and markets. By 2025, estimates placed the value of the Armani empire between $9 and $12 billion.
Armani retained full control of his company, refusing to sell to larger conglomerates. This independence allowed him to maintain creative direction and uphold the minimalist philosophy that defined his work. “I design for real people,” he once said. “I think about what they need and what makes them comfortable.”
A Distinctive Aesthetic
Armani’s designs emphasized restraint and confidence. His suits were constructed to move with the body, offering elegance without flash. This approach laid the groundwork for today’s trend of “quiet luxury,” a movement centered on subtlety and timelessness rather than seasonal fads.
He dressed countless Hollywood stars for red carpets and award shows. Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett, Beyoncé, and Leonardo DiCaprio were among those who favored his creations. He also designed stage costumes for Lady Gaga and film wardrobes for productions such as The Wolf of Wall Street.
Tributes and Legacy
Tributes poured in following the announcement of his death. Julia Roberts called him “a true friend. A legend.” Donatella Versace described him as a “giant,” while Russell Crowe praised his global influence. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said he embodied “the best of Italy.”
Despite his fame, Armani remained closely connected to family and his Milan roots. His partner Leo Dell’Orco and nieces Silvana and Roberta were deeply involved in the company. Biographer Renata Molho noted that his early hardships, including the loss of his brother Sergio, gave him a profound empathy that shaped his relationships.
As Milan Fashion Week approaches, the absence of Giorgio Armani will be deeply felt. Yet his influence endures in every soft-shouldered jacket and elegantly tailored suit. Through his foundation and the structures he put in place, his vision of style, calm, assured, and enduring, will continue to guide the brand he built from the ground up.
Image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license and was created by Jan Schroeder.
