Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer whose name became synonymous with timeless elegance and red-carpet sophistication, has died at the age of 91. His fashion house confirmed the news on Thursday, announcing that Armani passed away peacefully at home in Milan, surrounded by family.
“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” the company said in a statement.
“Il Signor Armani, as he was always respectfully and admiringly called by employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and the many ongoing and future projects.”
Tributes have poured in from Italy and across the globe. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remembered him as “an icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best of Italy,” while designer Donatella Versace said: “The world has lost a giant today. He made history and will be remembered forever.” Italian football clubs Juventus and Napoli also honored Armani, who owned the basketball team EA7 Armani Milan, with Juventus calling him “a timeless icon of elegance and Italian style.”
Born in Piacenza in 1934, Armani originally studied medicine before gravitating toward fashion after working as a department store window dresser. In 1975, he founded his eponymous label in Milan, which went on to define global style with the sharp lines of the Armani suit and, later, the women’s power suit of the 1980s.
He became widely known as “Re Giorgio” (King Giorgio) and played a pivotal role in shaping Hollywood fashion, famously outfitting Richard Gere in American Gigolo and dressing stars like Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga.
Armani’s reach extended far beyond clothing. His empire spanned fragrances, luxury hotels, restaurants, and homeware, with a reported value of more than £7.4 billion at the time of his death. He was awarded France’s Legion of Honour and Italy’s Order of Merit for Labour, cementing his place as not only a designer but a cultural ambassador for Italy.
The Armani Group confirmed that the funeral will be private, in line with his wishes. However, a public funeral chamber will be open at the Armani/Teatro in Milan on September 6–7, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., giving admirers an opportunity to pay their respects.
Armani’s passing comes just weeks before celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of his fashion house. Though he had recently missed shows in Paris and Milan for health reasons, he remained actively involved in the brand’s creative direction until the very end.
Giorgio Armani leaves behind a legacy that reshaped the language of fashion and set new standards for modern elegance. His employees and family vowed: “We commit to protecting what he built and to carrying his company forward in his memory, with respect, responsibility, and love.”
Armani’s legacy will live on in every silhouette he shaped and every runway he transformed. Share your thoughts with us on X/Twitter and Instagram, and visit Lyrical Muse for more stories.
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