Giorgio Armani, the Italian fashion titan whose name became synonymous with understated elegance and global sophistication, died at the age of 91 on 4th September 2025. Armani passed away peacefully at his home in Milan, surrounded by close family and friends, the Armani Group confirmed in a statement. Widely regarded as one of the most influential designers of the 20th and 21st centuries, he was described by his company as “the creator, founder, and tireless driving force” behind a brand that defined modern fashion for half a century. A public viewing will take place at Milan’s Armani/Teatro on September 6 and 7, with a private funeral to follow.
Armani’s story was one of vision, discipline, and reinvention. Born in 1934 in Piacenza, northern Italy, he began his career as a window dresser before moving into menswear design at Nino Cerruti. In 1975, alongside his partner Sergio Galeotti, he launched the Giorgio Armani label in Milan. Within just a few years, he transformed the fashion landscape with his unlined, deconstructed jacket, a revolutionary approach that combined comfort with elegance and softened the rigid structure of men’s tailoring. His clean, minimalist silhouettes resonated with a generation seeking sophistication without excess, and the world quickly took notice.
Hollywood became Armani’s stage in 1980 when Richard Gere appeared in American Gigolo dressed head-to-toe in Armani suits, introducing his aesthetic to a global audience. Soon after, Armani became the designer of choice for Hollywood’s elite, dressing stars such as Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, and countless others on the red carpet. His designs appeared in more than 200 films, and his influence extended beyond cinema into the broader culture of power dressing, helping to define how both men and women approached professional attire in the 1980s and beyond.
What began as a small menswear label soon blossomed into a global fashion empire. Over five decades, Armani expanded his portfolio to include Emporio Armani, Armani Exchange, haute couture, sportswear, accessories, fragrances, and cosmetics. His ventures were not limited to fashion, he invested in luxury hotels in Milan and Dubai, upscale restaurants and cafes, home furnishings, and even sports, notably through his ownership of the basketball team Olimpia Milano. The Armani name became shorthand for a lifestyle of refinement, with a global footprint spanning hundreds of stores and millions of loyal customers. By 2025, Armani’s empire was valued in the billions, and his personal fortune was estimated at more than $10 billion.
Armani’s contributions were recognized with some of the highest honors in the world. He was named an Officer of the French Legion of Honour in 2008, awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 2021, and received multiple international accolades, including the CFDA International Award and the Compasso d’Oro. He also earned several honorary doctorates for his enduring contributions to design and business. Yet despite his wealth and recognition, Armani was known for his disciplined lifestyle and devotion to work, often remarking that fashion was his life’s great passion and responsibility.
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The news of his passing has drawn heartfelt tributes from across the globe. Donatella Versace described his death as “a great loss, the world lost a giant today.” Victoria Beckham called him “a visionary designer whose legacy will live on forever.” Julia Roberts and Leonardo DiCaprio expressed deep gratitude for his influence, while Anna Wintour and Diane von Furstenberg reflected on his profound role in reshaping modern style. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, herself a frequent wearer of Armani suits, honored him as “a symbol of the best Italy, an ambassador of excellence and creativity to the world.”
Though his health had declined in recent years, Armani remained actively involved in his company until the very end. He had been preparing to celebrate the brand’s 50th anniversary this September, marking a milestone that underscored his lasting relevance in an ever-changing industry. While he never publicly named a definitive successor, he had gradually shared responsibilities with trusted collaborators, including longtime colleague Leo Dell’Orco and his niece Silvana Armani, ensuring that his vision would continue to guide the company.
Giorgio Armani’s passing closes a monumental chapter in fashion history, but his influence is eternal. He leaves behind not just clothes, but an idea that true elegance lies in simplicity, comfort, and confidence. As the world mourns his death, his legacy remains stitched into the very fabric of modern life, proving that style, when shaped by vision, can outlast a lifetime.
