Italian fashion legend Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91, his company confirmed in an Instagram post on Thursday.
“With infinite condolences, the Armani Group announces the passing of its inventor, founder and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” the statement read. “Mr Armani, as he was respectfully known by employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.”
The company noted that Armani worked tirelessly until his final days, dedicating himself to his collections and ongoing innovative projects. His vision, it added, went far beyond fashion, shaping lifestyles with clarity, creativity and precision.
Born in Piacenza in 1934, Armani initially studied medicine before turning to design. He went on to transform global fashion with his minimalist, elegant approach. In 1975, he founded his fashion house in Milan, which quickly rose to prominence, redefining tailoring and setting new standards for understated sophistication.
Armani’s empire expanded across clothing, accessories, fragrances, interior design, restaurants and luxury hotels. He became synonymous with Hollywood glamour, famously dressing Richard Gere in American Gigolo and countless stars on red carpets from Cannes to the Oscars.
Renowned for his clean lines, neutral tones and timeless style, Armani revolutionised late 20th-century fashion. Fiercely independent, he kept his empire private, resisting buyouts in an industry dominated by conglomerates.
Beyond fashion, Armani supported health, education and humanitarian causes while championing Italian craftsmanship on the global stage.
Tributes have poured in from across the fashion world, celebrating him as a visionary whose influence reshaped global style and inspired generations of designers.
