Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91, the Armani Group announced on Thursday. The designer passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, the company said in a statement.
“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani”, the statement read.
Armani was synonymous with modern Italian style and elegance and built a fashion empire that turned over some 2.3 billion euros ($2.7 billion) a year. The designer combined creative vision with business acumen, establishing one of the world’s most recognisable luxury brands.
Armani built billion-euro fashion empire from Milan base
In June 2025, Armani was not present to take his usual bow at the brand’s show during Milan’s Men’s Fashion Week, marking the first time in his career he had missed his own runway event. He had been unwell for some time, the company said.
Known as “Re Giorgio” – King Giorgio – the designer was known for overseeing every detail of his collection and every aspect of his business, from advertising to fixing models’ hair as they head out on to the runway.
Armani founded Giorgio Armani S.p.A. in Milan in 1975 and presented his first menswear collection the following year. The brand expanded to include women’s fashion, cosmetics, hotels and other luxury goods.
Designer revolutionised menswear with unstructured tailoring approach
The designer gained international recognition for reimagining traditional tailoring, introducing softer, unstructured jackets that became synonymous with 1980s power dressing. His minimalist aesthetic and muted colour palettes influenced fashion globally.
Armani’s designs featured prominently in Hollywood, with the designer creating costumes for numerous films and dressing celebrities for red carpet events. His work helped establish the relationship between high fashion and entertainment industry glamour.
The Armani Group operates multiple fashion lines including Emporio Armani and Armani Exchange, along with ventures in hospitality, cosmetics and accessories that established the brand as a comprehensive luxury lifestyle company.
