Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian designer who defined modern elegance and dressed Hollywood’s greatest stars, has died at 91. The Armani Group confirmed that he passed away peacefully in Milan, surrounded by loved ones, after an illness that had recently prevented him from attending Milan Men’s Fashion Week for the first time in five decades.
Armani founded his namesake label in 1975 with his partner Sergio Galeotti, building it into one of the most influential fashion houses in the world. Known as “Re Giorgio,” or King Giorgio, he paired design talent with sharp business skills, expanding the brand into Armani Privé, Emporio Armani and Armani Exchange.
Over the years, the Armani empire grew far beyond fashion. From fragrances and accessories to five-star hotels and private residences, Armani became a global symbol of luxury living. That vision is perhaps best experienced at the Armani Hotel Milano, where guests can stay in the Armani Executive, Ambassador, Signature, Milano or Presidential suites. During Women’s Fashion Week, the hotel even offers the Fiat 500e Giorgio Armani Collector’s Edition—a prime example of how the brand extended its elegance into every detail of the lifestyle it created.
His minimalist tailoring transformed the idea of power dressing, with soft fabrics and refined lines becoming his signature. Armani’s influence endured for decades, evident in Cate Blanchett’s custom black Armani Privé gown at the 2022 Venice Film Festival and Leonardo DiCaprio’s sleek Armani look at Wimbledon, both symbols of timeless style on the world stage.
On the red carpet and beyond, Armani was a trusted name for the world’s elite, offering a vision of luxury that was discreet yet unmistakable, powerful yet understated. His designs embodied a standard of elegance that continues to shape how the world views Italian fashion.
A public funeral chamber will be held in Milan this weekend, followed by a private service Monday. Armani leaves behind not only an independent global empire, but also a legacy of elegance and modern design that redefined the way the world sees luxury.
Images via: @giorgioarmani