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Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian fashion designer who redefined modern elegance and helped shape the global luxury industry, has died at the age of 91, his company announced on Thursday.
“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” the fashion house said in a statement.
Armani passed away after a period of declining health, having missed Milan’s Men’s Fashion Week in June — the first time in his career he was absent from one of his own runway shows. A tireless perfectionist, he was known for personally overseeing every detail of his collections and brand — from ad campaigns to runway lighting, even occasionally adjusting models’ hair before they stepped onto the catwalk.
Often referred to as “Re Giorgio” (King Giorgio), Armani was revered not only for his signature minimalist tailoring and refined aesthetic but also for his business savvy. He built an independent fashion empire that spanned haute couture, ready-to-wear, beauty, accessories, home interiors, and hospitality — with an annual turnover of around €2.3 billion ($2.7 billion).
Emerging on the scene in the 1970s, Armani revolutionized fashion by stripping the rigidity from men’s and women’s tailoring. His soft-shouldered suits and understated palettes became a global phenomenon, dressing Hollywood stars and power brokers alike. His designs gained mainstream attention through films like American Gigolo (1980), helping to define a new era of power dressing in the 1980s and beyond.
Armani’s independence from major fashion conglomerates also set him apart. Throughout his life, he maintained full control of his brand — a rarity in the luxury world. Analysts have long praised his business model for its long-term stability and singular creative vision.
The Armani Group announced that a funeral chamber will be open to the public in Milan on Saturday, September 6, and Sunday, September 7. A private funeral will be held at a later, undisclosed date.
Giorgio Armani leaves behind not just a fashion house, but a legacy of elegance, discipline, and enduring style — a towering figure who helped define the look of the modern age.
