Italian fashion icon Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91 in Milan, his company announced on Thursday. Widely regarded as one of the most influential designers of the modern era, Armani’s passing marks the end of a career that reshaped global style.
A career that changed fashion
Born in 1934, Armani founded his namesake brand in 1975 and went on to revolutionize menswear with his unstructured tailoring. He became a red-carpet staple, dressing Hollywood stars and defining an era of elegance marked by clean lines and understated luxury. His empire grew into one of the world’s most valuable independent fashion houses, with analysts in 2024 estimating its worth between €8–10 billion ($9.3–11.7 billion).
Tributes and legacy
In a statement, the Armani Group said: “With deep emotion, we feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion, and dedication. We commit to protecting what he built and carrying his company forward in his memory.”
Often called Re Giorgio (“King Giorgio”), the designer remained deeply involved in every detail of his collections, from advertising campaigns to runway shows. He was notably absent from Milan’s Men’s Fashion Week in June 2025 due to illness, the first time in his career he missed a presentation.
Final arrangements
The company confirmed that a funeral chamber will be set up in Milan this weekend, followed by a private service at a later date.
Armani’s influence — blending timeless simplicity with business acumen — cemented his status as a symbol of Made in Italy excellence. Tributes from fans, world leaders, and the fashion industry continue to pour in, underscoring the scale of his global legacy.
