Renowned Italian fashion designer and global style icon Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy that reshaped modern fashion.
Armani, known for revolutionising both men’s and women’s tailoring, passed away after a career that spanned more than five decades and transformed his name into a billion-dollar global empire. His brand extended far beyond clothing into beauty, fragrance, sportswear, music, hospitality, and even luxury hotels, generating over £2 billion annually.
A Life of Fashion and Influence
Armani began his career in medicine before shifting to fashion in the 1960s. In 1975, he co-founded his namesake label with his late partner, Sergio Galeotti, launching what would become one of the most influential brands in the history of style.
He was admired for bringing relaxed elegance to menswear and redefining the power suit for working women—designs that became synonymous with confidence, simplicity, and sophistication. His work played a pivotal role in shaping the professional wardrobe of the 1980s and beyond.
“He put women into a uniform of suits just as radical as Chanel’s… and deconstructed menswear tailoring in a way that influences almost every suit made today,” wrote fashion critic Alexander Fury in one of Armani’s final interviews.
Tributes Pour In
From fellow designers to celebrities and world leaders, tributes have been pouring in:
- Donatella Versace called him “a giant” and said, “He made history and will be remembered forever.”
- Julia Roberts posted a photo of them together, writing, “A true friend. A legend,” with a heartbreak emoji.
- Actor Russell Crowe, a long-time friend, said Armani “made a mark acknowledged around the globe” and had supported him through many life moments.
- Designer Paul Smith praised his “down-to-earth nature, independence, and staying power,” calling him a personal inspiration.
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni honoured him as “an icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best of Italy.”
A Pioneer in Fashion
Armani was known not only for his craftsmanship but also for pushing boundaries. He was the first major designer to ban underweight models from his runway shows following the 2006 death of model Ana Carolina Reston from anorexia.
He was also a master of red carpet fashion, dressing Hollywood stars like Zendaya, Cate Blanchett, Julia Roberts, and designing stage outfits for Lady Gaga. His work appeared in iconic films such as American Gigolo and The Wolf of Wall Street.
Even in his 90s, Armani remained creatively active. His final runway show in January 2025 featured Latvian model Agnes Zogla, and his March 2025 collection made a statement about global unity. Though health concerns arose in June 2025, he continued directing shows—most recently in Paris, July 2025, albeit remotely from his home in Milan.
A Private Life and Public Legacy
Armani was a passionate sports fan, backing Inter Milan football club and owning the Olimpia Milano basketball team. He also partnered with Scuderia Ferrari in Formula One. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc paid tribute, calling it “a great honour” to have worked with Armani.
His contributions earned him national and international honours, including the French Legion of Honour and the Italian Order of Merit for Labour.
While his career was not without controversy—including a 2015 backlash over comments about gay fashion and a tax settlement in 2014—Armani’s impact on the industry remains unmatched.
An Enduring Icon
In a statement on the brand’s official Instagram page, Armani was described as “indefatigable to the end”, driven by curiosity and deep attention to the present and to people.
“If you don’t know anything about fashion, you’ll still know Giorgio Armani,” wrote Vogue’s Laura Ingham.
“His legacy is woven not only into fashion’s past and present, but will continue to shape its future.”
Giorgio Armani leaves behind a timeless legacy built on refined silhouettes, minimalist elegance, and an unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity.
He was, and will remain, a true gentleman and a titan of the industry.
