Giorgio Armani, the renowned Italian fashion designer who transformed the global fashion landscape, has passed away at the age of 91, as confirmed by his company on Thursday. In a heartfelt statement, the Armani Group expressed their deep sorrow, stating, “With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani.”
Giorgio Armani's illustrious career encompassed a vast portfolio, including the iconic Giorgio Armani and Emporio Armani apparel lines, the luxurious haute couture label Armani Privé, and the sophisticated Armani Casa design and interiors line. Recently, he had been unable to attend his last three shows in June and July due to illness, an absence that left many fans and fashion enthusiasts concerned. His anticipated presence at the brand’s 50th anniversary celebrations later this month, featuring a significant exhibition at the prestigious Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan, will be sorely missed.
As the founder and sole shareholder of Giorgio Armani SpA, Armani was known for his staunch independence in the fashion industry. Throughout his career, he reportedly turned down numerous offers to join one of the big four luxury fashion conglomerates, as he viewed the independence of his brand as “an essential value.” His inaugural presentation in 1975 revolutionized fashion by introducing the concept of soft power dressing, earning him the well-deserved title of the “King of the Blazer.”
Armani's innovative approach to fashion featured fluid, unstructured suiting, which included longer-cut jackets, loosely pleated trousers, and sweeping belted coats. This new style not only redefined menswear but also liberated many women from the restrictive silhouettes favored by other brands. His use of a muted color palette, predominantly greys and beiges, became synonymous with stealth wealth long before the term quiet luxury entered popular culture.
The brand soared to international fame in 1980 when actor Richard Gere donned several Armani pieces in the film American Gigolo, establishing a new dynamic between fashion designers and Hollywood. Unlike previous couturiers, who typically aligned with one star, Armani built relationships with multiple celebrities. Notably, Diane Keaton was the first to wear Armani on the Oscars red carpet in 1978. Since then, Jodie Foster has consistently showcased Armani at nearly every ceremony since 1989, while Julia Roberts’ memorable 1990 Golden Globes look—a steel grey oversized suit paired with a white shirt and tie—remains iconic.
Born in Piacenza, northern Italy, in 1934, Armani initially pursued a career in medicine but left the University of Milan before completing his degree to serve in the army. Shortly after, he discovered a passion for fashion, stating, “I got into fashion almost by accident and then it slowly grew in me until it completely absorbed me, stealing my life away.” His fashion journey began as a window dresser and later a sales associate at La Rinascente, a prominent department store in Milan, before he took on a menswear design role at Nino Cerruti.
At the age of 41, Armani launched his own label, encouraged by his partner Sergio Galeotti, an architect who convinced him to sell his Volkswagen Beetle to fund the venture. While Galeotti managed the business side, Armani focused on his creative vision. After Galeotti's passing in 1995, Armani continued to uphold the legacy they built together. By 2021, Armani-branded products generated an impressive £3.5 billion, encompassing a diverse range of offerings from hotels and restaurants to cosmetics and even floristry.
Armani preferred to keep business operations within the family, reflecting his deep commitment to his brand. Following his spring/summer 2022 collection, he took his bow alongside Leo Dell’Orco, the head of the men’s style office, who joined the company in 1977. This gesture signified a new chapter in the brand's legacy, one that will continue to honor the visionary spirit of Giorgio Armani.
