Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani (Credit: AFP)
Italian designer Giorgio Armani passes away at 91
Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer, has died at the age of 91. His passing has prompted tributes from across the globe, celebrating a career that transformed both fashion and culture.
“The world lost a giant today. He made history and will be remembered forever,” designer Donatella Versace wrote on Instagram.
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Armani launched his fashion house in Milan in 1975 and quickly rose to prominence, dressing some of Hollywood’s biggest stars and pioneering what became known as red-carpet fashion. Over the decades, his name expanded far beyond couture, with the Emporio Armani line bringing his style to a younger market and luxury hotels extending his brand into lifestyle.
According to a statement from his company, “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,” including on “the many ongoing and future projects.”
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The company said the funeral would be private, but a public chamber in Milan will be open on Saturday and Sunday for mourners. Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, announced that Monday’s funeral will be marked as a day of mourning.
Stars and public figures honored his legacy. Julia Roberts called him “A true friend. A Legend,” while Italian actress Claudia Cardinale said, “My heart is broken.” Actor Russell Crowe shared a personal memory of buying his first Armani suit after losing his luggage en route to Cannes in 1997, “That began a love affair with Armani suits that continues to this day.”
Armani’s influence remained visible even in his later years. However, health issues forced him to cancel several shows this year, including his menswear presentation in Milan and the Paris Armani Privé show. At the time, he said, “In 20 years of Armani Prive, it's the first time I'm not in Paris. My doctors advised more rest, even though I felt ready.” He emphasized that he still oversaw the production remotely, noting, “I approved and signed off on everything you will see.”
His death comes just weeks before Milan Fashion Week, which was set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his brand. It also raises questions about succession. In an interview with the Financial Times last week, Armani said he had been planning “a gradual transition of the responsibilities that I have always handled to those closest to me,” citing both his family and his longtime colleague Leo Dell’Orco, head of men’s design.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described Armani as someone who “inspired the whole world” with “elegance, sobriety and creativity.” She added, “An icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of Italy at its best. Thank you for everything.”
On its official Instagram page, the Armani brand shared one of his reflections, “The mark I hope to leave is one of commitment, respect, and genuine care for people and for reality. That’s where everything truly begins.”
