Milan, Italy — Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian designer who redefined fashion with his vision of understated sophistication and built a global empire in the process, has died at the age of 91. His fashion house confirmed Thursday that Armani passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family.
In a statement, the company said Armani remained committed to his craft until the very end: “Indefatigable to the last, he continued to dedicate himself to the company, the collections, and future projects.”
A Lasting Legacy in Fashion
Armani was among the most recognizable names in the industry, his influence stretching from Milan’s runways to Hollywood’s red carpets. For the first time in decades, he missed Milan Fashion Week in June 2025, citing health issues. He had been preparing to mark the 50th anniversary of his Giorgio Armani label during the city’s fashion week this month.
A public viewing is scheduled at the Armani Theater in Milan, the stage for his ready-to-wear shows, on Saturday and Sunday. The funeral will be private.
Condolences poured in from across the world. Fellow designer Donatella Versace remembered Armani as “a giant who made history and will be remembered forever.” Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni called him “a symbol of the best Italy,”praising his signature mix of elegance, restraint, and creativity.
Redefining Style
Armani’s revolution began in the late 1970s with a jacket stripped of its lining, paired with sleek trousers and rendered in soft fabrics and muted shades. The relaxed silhouette became an international hallmark of Italian ready-to-wear.
From Wall Street executives to Hollywood stars, Armani’s creations offered both sophistication and comfort. His evening gowns and tuxedos defined red-carpet glamour, while his “power suit” in the 1980s gave professional women a new uniform of authority. Critics sometimes called his style androgynous, but Armani himself insisted his goal was practicality: “I design for real people. There is no virtue in making clothes that cannot be worn.”
A Hollywood Favorite
Armani’s breakthrough moment in pop culture came with the 1980 film American Gigolo, where Richard Gere’s wardrobe launched both actor and designer into stardom. Over the decades, Armani’s designs appeared in more than 200 films. His creations were a staple on Oscar night, worn by stars such as Anne Hathaway and Sean Penn, and favored by icons like Sophia Loren, George Clooney, and Brad Pitt.
In 2000, New York’s Guggenheim Museum dedicated a major retrospective to Armani’s first 25 years in fashion, cementing his role as a cultural figure as much as a designer.
Building an Empire
Armani’s empire grew far beyond clothing. His company, valued at over $10 billion, encompasses perfumes, cosmetics, accessories, and home décor. He also launched restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and even hotels in Dubai and Milan. A passionate sports fan, Armani owned the basketball team Olimpia Milano under the brand EA7 Emporio Armani.
Despite his success, Armani never sold his company nor merged with outside investors, preferring independence. Plans for succession were set through a foundation, with creative responsibilities to be shared by his longtime collaborator Leo Dell’Orco and his niece Silvana Armani.
Early Life and Rise
Born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, Armani originally aspired to be a doctor before fashion caught his attention. In 1975, with his partner Sergio Galeotti, he launched his first menswear line, selling their car to raise seed money. Women’s wear followed soon after, and the rest became history.
The “Armani look” quickly became a global symbol of effortless elegance. His signature T-shirt-and-trousers uniform mirrored the minimalist style of his homes in Milan, Pantelleria, and the French Riviera, spaces marked by clean lines, muted tones, and deliberate simplicity.
Humanitarian Efforts
Armani also sought to give back. He supported children’s charities and AIDS research and was named a U.N. goodwill ambassador for refugees in 2002.
Though he had no children, Armani was deeply close to his family. His niece Roberta, a former actress, became a central figure in the company, serving as director of public relations and managing celebrity relations.
Survivors
Armani is survived by his sister Rosanna, her son Andrea Camerana, and his nieces Silvana and Roberta. He was predeceased by his brother Sergio and his longtime partner Galeotti, who died in 1985.
For Italians and the global fashion community, Armani’s passing marks the end of an era. Yet his influence, woven into every relaxed jacket, every power suit, and every shimmering gown, will remain timeless.
By The Midtown Times Staff | Adapted from original reporting by Daniela Petroff for the Associated Press
