Giorgio Armani dies at 91: What to know about iconic Italian fashion designer

Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian fashion designer known as “Re Giorgio” or “King Giorgio,” passed away at the age of 91, his company announced on Thursday. The Armani Group confirmed the death of its founder and CEO, stating that he worked tirelessly until his final days, dedicating himself to collections and ongoing projects. Armani, whose minimalist suits and elegant designs redefined modern fashion, leaves behind a legacy that transformed the industry and made Milan a global fashion capital. The cause of death was not disclosed, and a private funeral is planned, with a funeral chamber to be set up in Milan on September 6 and 7, according to Reuters.

Born in Piacenza, Italy, in 1934, Armani revolutionized menswear in the 1970s by deconstructing the traditional suit, removing padding and rigid linings to create a softer, more natural silhouette described as “supple as a cardigan, light as a shirt.” His philosophy of elegance through simplicity extended to womenswear, empowering a generation of professional women with tailored yet fluid designs. Armani’s influence reached Hollywood, dressing stars like Richard Gere in American Gigolo (1980) and countless red-carpet icons, cementing his brand’s global appeal. His eponymous company, generating €2.3 billion ($2.7 billion) in 2024, expanded into haute couture, prêt-à-porter, perfumes, and home interiors, setting a blueprint for luxury conglomerates.

Armani’s rise was marked by both personal and professional triumphs. After studying medicine and working as a window dresser at Milan’s La Rinascente, he launched his brand in 1975 with partner Sergio Galeotti, who died in 1985, leaving Armani to steer the company with family and trusted associates like Leo Dell’Orco. Known for his meticulous control over every detail, from advertising to runway hair, Armani maintained his company’s independence, resisting acquisition by luxury giants like LVMH. His 2016 foundation, established to ensure the brand’s longevity, will now guide its future alongside heirs like his niece Silvana and nephew Andrea Camerana, as reported by Reuters.

The fashion world mourned Armani’s passing, with tributes pouring in from designers and industry leaders. Donatella Versace, a former rival, called him “a giant” whose work “made history.” Italian officials hailed him as a “timeless talent” and “Made in Italy ambassador,” noting his Grand Officer of the Order of Merit award in 2021. Armani’s absence from recent shows, including Milan Men’s Fashion Week in June 2025 due to ill health, had signaled his frailty, yet his commitment to his craft never wavered. His minimalist aesthetic, often dubbed “stealth wealth,” continues to influence contemporary fashion, with vintage Armani designs thriving in secondhand markets.

The loss of Armani marks the end of an era for Italian fashion, but his legacy endures through his brand and the countless lives he touched. From dressing Hollywood stars to empowering professional women, Armani’s vision of understated elegance reshaped how the world dresses. As the Armani Group pledges to carry forward his work “with respect, responsibility, and love,” the industry reflects on a designer who, as he once said, created “for real people.” Milan, now a global fashion hub partly due to his influence, will honor his contributions with an exhibition at the Pinacoteca di Brera later this month, celebrating 50 years of his iconic brand.