Giorgio Armani, Legendary Fashion Designer, Passes Away

Giorgio Armani, one of the most influential figures in modern fashion, died peacefully at his home at the age of 91, as confirmed by his fashion house. Armani’s passing marks the end of an era for the global fashion industry, where his understated elegance and innovative tailoring reshaped the way the world dresses.

The Legacy of an Industry Giant

Armani founded his eponymous fashion house in 1975 in Milan, transforming a modest investment into a multibillion-dollar empire that included clothing, accessories, hotels, restaurants, and even a basketball team. His minimalist yet sophisticated vision, starting with the unlined jacket and urban color palettes, set a new standard in ready-to-wear fashion, making Italian style a global phenomenon. His designs became staples in both executive boardrooms and on Hollywood red carpets, with celebrities and film characters donning his creations in films like "American Gigolo" and "The Wolf of Wall Street."

Armani’s approach was always rooted in practicality and real-world wearability. "I design for real people. There is no virtue whatsoever in creating clothes and accessories that are not practical," he once stated, emphasizing his commitment to accessible luxury. Despite his immense success, Armani never sold or merged his company, remaining the sole shareholder and CEO until his death, a rare feat in the fashion industry.

Life, Influence, and Succession

Born in Piacenza, Italy, in 1934, Armani initially aspired to be a doctor before a part-time job in a Milan department store led him to fashion. He became synonymous with effortless elegance, both in his personal style and in his business operations, often described as a tough yet gracious leader. His empire expanded beyond fashion to include home furnishings, cosmetics, and even hotels in Milan and Dubai, reflecting a holistic vision of lifestyle.

Armani continued to work tirelessly into his nineties, missing Milan Fashion Week in June 2025 for the first time only due to illness. He had been planning a major celebration for the 50th anniversary of his brand during the upcoming Milan Fashion Week. His last public interview, published days before his death, highlighted his philosophy of control and determination, as well as his desire for a gradual, organic succession within the company. He identified his longtime head of menswear, Leo Dell'Orco, and his niece, Silvana Armani, as key figures in the future leadership, but the exact succession plan remains to be finalized.

Mourning and Commemoration

The announcement of Armani’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the fashion world and beyond. His funeral will be private, in accordance with his wishes, but a public “funeral chamber” will be open in Milan’s Armani/Teatro for admirers to pay their respects. As the industry reflects on his immense contributions, Giorgio Armani is remembered not only for his aesthetic legacy but also for his unwavering independence and the global lifestyle brand he built from the ground up.