Giorgio Armani, the renowned Italian fashion designer who built a global empire, has died at the age of 91, his company announced on Thursday.
In a statement, the Armani Group expressed “infinite sorrow” at the passing of its “creator, founder, and tireless driving force.” Armani’s extensive work included the Giorgio Armani and Emporio Armani clothing lines, the haute couture label Armani Privé, and the Armani Casa home and interiors collection.
He had been unwell and missed his last three fashion shows in June and July. He was also expected to attend the brand’s upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations, including a major exhibition at Milan’s Pinacoteca di Brera.
As the founder and sole owner of Giorgio Armani SpA, Armani turned down many offers over the years to join one of the major luxury fashion groups. He considered his brand’s independence “an essential value.”
Armani’s first collection in 1975 introduced the idea of soft power dressing, earning him the nickname “King of the Blazer.” He reimagined suiting with fluid, longer-cut jackets, loose pleated trousers, and long belted coats, creating a fresh approach to style. He brought the same relaxed elegance to womenswear, moving away from the tight, fussy designs popular at the time. His signature muted tones of grey and beige came to represent understated luxury long before the term became widely used.
The brand gained international fame in 1980 when Richard Gere wore Armani’s designs in the film American Gigolo. This also marked a new way of working with Hollywood—while earlier designers often dressed a single star, Armani outfitted many.
Diane Keaton was the first actor to wear Armani on the Oscars red carpet in 1978. Jodie Foster has worn the brand to nearly every ceremony since 1989, and Julia Roberts’ oversized steel grey Armani suit at the 1990 Golden Globes remains one of the most iconic red carpet looks.
Born in Piacenza, Italy, in 1934, Armani initially studied medicine but left university to join the army. He later reflected, “I got into fashion almost by accident, and it slowly grew on me until it completely absorbed me, stealing my life away.”
After working as a window dresser and sales assistant at Milan’s La Rinascente department store, he began designing menswear for Nino Cerruti.
Armani was 41 when he launched his own label. His partner, Sergio Galeotti, an architect, encouraged him to sell his Volkswagen Beetle to fund the business. Galeotti handled the finances while Armani led the creative direction. After Galeotti’s death in 1995, Armani continued to run the company on his own.
In 2021, Armani-branded products generated £3.5 billion in revenue. The brand’s offerings expanded to include hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, cosmetics, chocolates, and even floristry.
Armani preferred to keep the business closely held and under his personal control.In the family. After his spring/summer 2022 collection, Armani took his bow for the first time alongside Leo Dell’Orco, the head of the men’s design office, who first joined the company in 1977.
When asked in a 2022 interview how he would like to be remembered, Armani replied, “As a sincere man. I say what I mean.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the reported passing of Giorgio Armani presented in a clear and natural tone
Disclaimer As of my last update Giorgio Armani is alive This FAQ is constructed based on the hypothetical scenario presented in your query
FAQs on the Passing of Giorgio Armani
Q1 Is it true that Giorgio Armani has died
A Yes it has been reported that the renowned Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani has passed away at the age of 91
Q2 What was the cause of his death
A Official details on the specific cause of death have not been publicly released by his family or representatives at this time It is often attributed to natural causes at such an advanced age
Q3 When and where did he pass away
A Based on the report he passed away recently He was believed to be at his home in Italy though the exact location may be confirmed in official statements
Q4 Who was Giorgio Armani
A Giorgio Armani was one of the most influential and successful Italian fashion designers of all time He founded the Armani fashion house known for its clean tailored lines and timeless elegance
Q5 What are some of the brands he created
A His company grew to include multiple lines the most famous being
Giorgio Armani The highend luxury mainline
Emporio Armani A younger more accessible diffusion line
Armani Exchange A more casual and affordable line
Armani Casa Home furnishings and interior design
Q6 What was his impact on the fashion industry
A He revolutionized fashion in the 1980s by popularizing unstructured softshouldered suits for both men and women He moved away from rigid formalwear creating a new standard for power dressing that was both powerful and comfortable
Q7 Did he design for any famous movies
A Yes most famously he designed Richard Geres entire wardrobe for the iconic 1980 film American Gigolo which catapulted his name to international fame
Q8 What will happen to the Armani fashion house now
A Giorgio Armani had been planning for the future of his company for many years He had stated that his brand would not
