Milan: Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian designer who built a $10 billion global fashion empire and redefined modern elegance, has died at the age of 91. His fashion house confirmed that Armani passed away at his residence.
The designer, who missed Milan Fashion Week in June 2025 due to an undisclosed illness, had been preparing a major celebration this month to mark 50 years of his Giorgio Armani label.
A visionary in global fashion
Armani began his career with modest ambitions. Born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, south of Milan, he initially wanted to become a doctor. A part-time job as a window decorator in a Milan store drew him into fashion. By 1975, with his partner Sergio Galeotti, he sold their Volkswagen car for $10,000 to launch a menswear label. Womenswear followed the next year.
The turning point came in the late 1970s with the launch of the liningless sports jacket, paired with a simple t-shirt. This combination not only changed menswear but also gave rise to the famous “Armani suit”, a wardrobe essential for professionals and celebrities alike.
For women, Armani’s power suit with padded shoulders and tailored trousers became a defining look of the 1980s, symbolising the rise of businesswomen in executive spaces.
Hollywood’s favourite designer
Armani’s global breakthrough came when Richard Gere wore his suits in the 1980 film “American Gigolo”. From then on, Armani became synonymous with Hollywood glamour, dressing stars in over 200 films. His creations graced red carpets, with icons such as Anne Hathaway, Sean Penn, Jodie Foster, George Clooney, Sofia Loren, and Brad Pitt choosing Armani for Oscar night appearances.
In 2003, his influence was immortalised with a star on Rodeo Drive’s “Walk of Fame”, and in 2000, New York’s Guggenheim Museum hosted a retrospective of his first 25 years in fashion.
Building a $10 billion empire
By the time of his death, Armani’s brand extended far beyond clothing. His empire included accessories, perfumes, cosmetics, home furnishings, books, flowers, chocolates, bars, clubs, restaurants, and hotels.
The company operates over 600 stores worldwide with seven industrial hubs and more than 9,000 employees, half of them women in executive roles. His net worth placed him among the world’s top 200 billionaires, according to Forbes.
Armani also ventured into sports, owning the EA7 Emporio Armani Milan basketball team (Olympia Milano) and opening more than 20 restaurants globally since 1998, as well as luxury hotels in Dubai and Milan.
A distinct personal style
Known as “Re Giorgio” (King George) in Italy, Armani epitomised his own brand—tanned complexion, silver hair, simple jeans and t-shirts. His design philosophy focused on practical elegance, emphasising that fashion must serve “real people.”
Critics sometimes called his collections “androgynous,” but Armani insisted his designs gave freedom rather than imposed constraints. His muted palettes of grey, beige, and black became signatures of understated sophistication.
Humanitarian contributions
Armani was also deeply involved in philanthropy. A strong supporter of children’s welfare and AIDS research, he was appointed UN Goodwill Ambassador for Refugees in 2002.
Despite his fame, Armani avoided the social spotlight, often leaving public appearances to his niece Roberta Armani, who became a bridge between the brand and the celebrity world.
Succession plans
Armani never merged or sold his business, preferring independence. Before his death, he indicated succession would involve Leo Dell’Orco, longtime head of menswear, and his niece Silvana Armani, who leads womenswear.
He had no children, but remained close to his family, particularly Roberta, who gave up her film career to support his fashion house.
End of an era
Armani’s death marks the passing of a giant in global fashion. His creations not only dressed the elite but also shaped cultural perceptions of elegance, power, and practicality for nearly five decades.
From Hollywood films to red carpets, from corporate boardrooms to charity causes, Armani’s influence extended far beyond clothing, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire designers worldwide.