Giorgio Armani, a revolutionary Italian fashion icon known for shaping global trends and leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood’s glamorous red carpets, has peacefully passed away at 91. His company, the Armani Group, confirmed the news on Thursday, announcing his tranquil demise in the company of his loved ones.
Fondly known as “Il Signor Armani” by his staff and collaborators, the Armani Group described him as a “tireless driving force.”
A heartfelt message released by his family and employees expressed:
In our company, we’ve always felt like a family. Today, we deeply feel the void left by the visionary who founded and nurtured this family with passion, dedication, and foresight. It’s in his spirit that we, the employees and family members who’ve shared this journey with Mr. Armani, pledge to safeguard his legacy and continue steering his company with honor, duty, and affection.
Giorgio Armani, born in 1934 in Piacenza, Italy, followed an unconventional path to fashion. After studying medicine and a stint in the military, he delved into fashion by starting as a window dresser in Milan in 1957. His venture into menswear design in 1964, under Nino Cerruti, refined his skill in crafting unstructured jackets — a style that would define his legacy.
In 1975, Armani, alongside partner Sergio Galeotti, launched his eponymous brand. Their debut menswear line gained rapid acclaim in the U.S., hitting the shelves of Barneys New York in 1976. Soon after, an androgynous womenswear line emerged, challenging conventional norms. Armani famously remarked, “I was the first to soften men’s image and amplify women’s strength.”
The pivotal moment for Armani arrived in 1980 when Richard Gere donned one of his suits in “American Gigolo,” solidifying his Hollywood reputation. Subsequently, his creations became synonymous with sophistication, adorning luminaries like Sophia Loren, Tina Turner, Sean Connery, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
His refined elegance clashed with Gianni Versace’s flamboyance, sparking one of fashion’s most intense rivalries in the 1980s.
After Galeotti’s passing in 1985, Armani assumed full control of his empire. Despite the industry dominance of conglomerates like LVMH and Kering, Armani uniquely retained complete ownership of his brand, valued at €8–10 billion in 2024.
Over the years, Armani expanded his realm to encompass Emporio Armani, Armani Jeans, Armani Exchange, Armani/Casa, and luxury hotels in Dubai and Milan. He also ventured into sports, acquiring Italy’s top basketball team, Olimpia Milano, in 2008, and designing uniforms for Italy’s Olympic athletes in London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020.
Beyond fashion catwalks, Armani’s influence seeped into everyday workplaces, with his impeccably tailored pantsuits empowering women with a commanding alternative to traditional office attire.
