Giorgio Armani, the pioneering Italian fashion designer who transformed modern style and built one of the world’s most powerful luxury brands, has died at the age of 91, according to reports in Italy.
Armani rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s with his signature clean lines and minimalist tailoring, a sharp departure from the flashier trends of the time.
His work quickly attracted Hollywood’s attention, and he soon became the designer of choice for the red carpet, cementing his reputation as one of the most influential figures in fashion.
In a statement released today, Armani announced his death "with infinite sorrow," per Mail Online.
"In this company, we have always felt like part of a family," they added.
"Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion, and dedication, but it is precisely in his spirit that we, the employees and the family members who have always worked alongside Mr. Armani, commit to protecting what he built and to carrying his company forward in his memory, with respect, responsibility, and love."
Over the course of five decades, Armani built an empire that extended far beyond clothing.
His name became synonymous with sleek, understated elegance; a look that redefined both men’s and women’s wardrobes.
He dressed countless A-list stars, including Richard Gere, whose Armani suits in American Gigolo turned the brand into an international sensation, per Velasca.
Other close friends and admirers included Donatella Versace and Renée Zellweger, both of whom became longtime supporters of his work.
Beyond fashion shows and celebrity endorsements, Armani expanded his brand into perfumes, accessories, interior design, and even luxury hotels, turning his company into a multibillion-dollar global enterprise.
Humble beginnings to global icon
Born in Piacenza, Italy, in 1934, Armani began his career as a window dresser before working his way into the world of design.
In 1975, he founded his own label, Giorgio Armani S.p.A., which would go on to become one of the most recognizable names in fashion, per Biography.
By the 1990s, Armani was one of the most powerful figures in the industry, often described as the man who blurred the line between high fashion and accessible luxury.
Legacy of elegance
Armani’s designs were often described as timeless, a quality that earned him loyal clients across generations.
He avoided fleeting trends in favor of looks that exuded confidence and sophistication, helping to reshape how the world viewed both business attire and evening wear.
While he lived a private life, Armani’s friendships with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars highlighted his unique ability to bridge the gap between fashion and popular culture.
His vision of understated luxury continues to influence designers around the world today.
News of his passing marks the end of an era.
Armani leaves behind not just an empire, but also a legacy of elegance, discipline, and innovation that forever changed the global fashion landscape.