Fashion World Mourns: Giorgio Armani Dies at 91

Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian fashion designer and founder of the iconic house bearing his name, has died at the age of 91. The Armani Group confirmed today that he passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones. 

A Life of Elegance and Innovation

Born in Piacenza in 1934, Armani began his fashion career in the 1960s, launching his eponymous brand in 1975 alongside his partner Sergio Galeotti. Over the decades, he redefined modern Italian elegance, becoming renowned for his unstructured, minimalist tailoring and iconic “power suits” that symbolized sophistication and ease.  Armani expanded his empire to include Emporio Armani, Armani Jeans, fragrance lines, accessories, hotels, and homes, achieving an estimated net worth in the tens of billions. 

Final Days & Regret

Despite declining health—which caused him to miss Milan Men’s Fashion Week in June for the first time in his career—Armani continued to work tirelessly until his last days.  In what would become one of his final interviews, published on August 29, he candidly expressed his only regret: “spending too many hours working and not enough time with friends and family.” 

Farewell and Tributes

A public viewing will be held at Armani/Teatro in Milan on September 6 and 7, followed by a private funeral as per the designer’s wishes. 

Leaders and celebrities around the world have paid tribute. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, praising his “elegance, sobriety and creativity,” declared him “a symbol of the best of Italy.”  Hollywood icons—including Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Victoria and David Beckham—honored Armani as a visionary, mentor, and dear friend. Donatella Versace called him “a giant” of fashion. 

A Lasting Legacy

Armani’s influence transcended fashion. He brought refined simplicity to the red carpet, reshaping Hollywood aesthetics. In the 1980s, his suits became symbols of power and elegance—famously worn by Richard Gere in American Gigolo—and later embraced by women through tailored waist suits that revolutionized professional women’s wardrobes. 

Beyond style, he championed sustainability and social responsibility. His brand supported clean-water initiatives and AIDS research, while he remained deeply rooted in Italian values. 

As the world mourns, Giorgio Armani leaves behind a timeless legacy of creativity, craftsmanship, and elegance—a legacy that will endure well beyond this final farewell.