An era has ended: Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91

The Italian fashion designer and founder of the Armani fashion house, 91-year-old Giorgio Armani, peacefully passed away surrounded by his loved ones, according to a statement by the Armani Group press office. The brand’s message stated that the company has always felt like “one family,” and that employees and relatives will carefully preserve his ideals and continue the work in his spirit.

Until his final days, Armani retained an active role in the company: he was CEO and creative leader until his death, and at the June Milan Fashion Week he missed a show for the first time in years due to illness. Nevertheless, he continued preparing for the celebration of his house’s 50th anniversary during Milan Fashion Week.

The funeral will take place in Milan at the Armani/Teatro, where a farewell room will be set up from September 6 to 7 — everything will be held in accordance with Armani’s last wishes and in a private format.

Biography: from medical studies to global fashion

Childhood and youth

Born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza (Emilia-Romagna region). Initially planned a career in medicine and enrolled at the University of Milan, but after three years left his studies and served in the army, where he worked at a hospital in Verona.

After military service, he worked as a window dresser and buyer at the Milan department store La Rinascente.

Path to the fashion world

In 1961 he was appointed designer and stylist at Nino Cerruti’s atelier, where he worked for nearly a decade.

In 1975, together with his friend and business partner Sergio Galeotti, he founded his own company — Giorgio Armani SpA. The first prêt-à-porter collection appeared in 1976.

By the late 1970s, an agreement was signed with Textile Financial Group, the headquarters was established in Milan, and in the 1980s new lines were launched — Emporio Armani, Armani Jeans, Armani Junior and others.

Peak of success

In the 1980s–1990s the Armani brand became a symbol of elegance and practical chic: soft shoulders, relaxed silhouettes, attention to detail. Men’s suits, in particular, became icons of power dressing.

Hollywood brought special recognition: Armani dressed Richard Gere in “American Gigolo,” created looks for “Miami Vice” and many stars — Julia Roberts, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and others.

The Armani empire

The Armani brand spans numerous areas — from haute couture (Armani Privé), prêt-à-porter, accessories, cosmetics (in partnership with L’Oréal) to furniture (Armani/Casa) and even hotels (Armani Hotel in Burj Khalifa and Milan).

He preserved independence: the brand never joined major groups such as LVMH or Kering.

Awards

Throughout his career he received many awards: the Neiman Marcus Award (1979), the CFDA International Award (1987), “Fashion Dresses Peace” (2020), as well as numerous honorary titles and doctorates.

Beyond fashion, he actively engaged in humanitarian initiatives: the Acqua for Life project with UNICEF, collaboration with Product Red, and others.

Giorgio Armani leaves behind an unmatched legacy: he was not only a designer but a visionary who cultivated style, elegance, and the evolution of fashion. From his first steps — from medical studies to global catwalks — he maintained meticulous attention to detail: from cuts to advertising campaigns, from underwear to the hairstyles of models.

The company he founded and led until his final days remains a reflection of his spirit — discipline, sophistication, and independence that shaped not only fashion but an entire era.