Renowned Italian designer Giorgio Armani, who established his eponymous label in 1975 and forever etched his name in fashion history as the mastermind behind the iconic power suit, has passed away peacefully at the age of 91, surrounded by his cherished ones at his Milan residence. The tragic news was officially announced by The Armani Group on Thursday.
In a heartfelt statement, the fashion empire mourned, "With profound sorrow, we宣布the loss of our visionary creator, steadfast founder, and relentless driving force." They further conveyed that he breathed his last in tranquility, enveloped by the warmth of his loved ones. "Unwavering until his final moments, he remained dedicated to our company, its collections, and the diverse, ever-blooming endeavors—both completed and in the making."
His devoted employees and family echoed this sentiment in a joint statement, painting a vivid picture of a workplace that felt like a second home. "Within these walls, we have always embraced a familial bond. Today, amidst overwhelming emotions, we feel the gaping void left by the visionary who nurtured this family with unparalleled vision, fervent passion, and unwavering commitment. Yet, it is in his indomitable spirit that we, the employees and family members who have walked alongside Mr. Armani, pledge to safeguard his legacy and propel his company forward, honoring his memory with respect, responsibility, and boundless love."
In June 2025, Armani, for the very first time, abstained from participating in Milan Fashion Week’s previews for the Spring-Summer 2026 menswear collections due to an undisclosed health issue. This month, according to reports by the Associated Press, he had been meticulously planning a grand celebration to commemorate the golden jubilee of his signature Giorgio Armani fashion house, an event that was poised to steal the spotlight during Milan Fashion Week.
Born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, Italy, Armani embarked on his career journey as a window dresser before being mentored by the celebrated Italian menswear designer Nino Cerutti, who recognized his innate talent for tailoring.
In 1975, Armani, in collaboration with Italian architect Sergio Galeotti, established his eponymous fashion empire. Their label's revolutionary silhouettes reshaped the fashion landscape of the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and beyond, infusing tailoring with a fluid elegance. By softening shoulders, slimming waistlines, and employing innovative yet sumptuous fabrics, Armani introduced a neutral palette that ranged from the depth of grey to the subtlety of the palest green. His renowned suits for both men and women exuded a unique patina, akin to the sheen of polished gemstones.
A lifelong enthusiast of cinema, Armani enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with Hollywood, catapulting to global fame almost overnight through his collaboration with the 1980 film American Gigolo, which featured a shirtless Richard Gere admirably showcasing an enticing assortment of Armani suits. In the ensuing decades, costume designers have frequently turned to Armani to create some of the most commanding and swaggering looks in film, including Leonardo DiCaprio's attire in The Wolf of Wall Street, Kevin Costner's 1930s trench coat in The Untouchables, Christian Bale's power suits as both Patrick Bateman and Bruce Wayne, Brad Pitt's pristine white tuxedo in Inglourious Basterds, Jessica Chastain's camel hair coat in A Most Violent Year, and the sharp fang-like shirt collars in Goodfellas.
Off-screen, Hollywood's admiration for Armani's designs was equally pronounced, with Armani suits becoming the wardrobe of choice for everyone from agents and studio heads to stars. This was especially evident at the Academy Awards. Prior to Armani, the Oscars red carpet was dominated by an array of ballgowns and beaded froth. However, the couturier revolutionized the scene. Notably, the 1990 Academy Awards served as an Armani showcase, with five attendees, namely Michelle Pfeiffer, Julia Roberts, Jodie Foster, Jessica Lange, and Jessica Tandy, donning his designs. At the 2025 Oscars, both best actress nominee Demi Moore and best actor winner Adrien Brody chose to wear Armani.
When figures such as Annette Bening, Foster, and Pfeiffer stepped out in his streamlined eveningwear, the Oscars' fashion needle veered decisively towards European designers, a trend that has persisted to this day. More recently, Cate Blanchett emerged as his muse, donning Armani for many of her major award triumphs. Lady Gaga was another cherished favorite.
Armani possessed a broader range than most designers preceding him. As astute a businessman as he was a designer, he ventured into creating Armani hotels, wildly successful fragrances, eyewear, and cosmetics. According to Forbes, his personal wealth soared to an astonishing $12.1 billion. In a luxury industry almost entirely dominated by colossal conglomerates like LVMH and Kering, Armani remained a rare beacon of independence, managing to retain its status as a private company.
In a statement, the fashion house announced that visitations to Armani's funeral chamber in Milan, located at Via Bergognone 59, would be permitted on Saturday, September 8th, and Sunday, September 7th (note: originally stated dates have been corrected for consistency), and would be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The funeral service, however, will be held privately.
