Giorgio Armani, Italian Fashion Designer Dies at 91

Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer whose name became synonymous with style, has died at the age of 91. On September 4, 2025, the Armani fashion house confirmed that he “passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.”

Until the very end, Armani remained active in his work, shaping collections and guiding projects, demonstrating a dedication few could match. His passing leaves a void in the fashion world, Hollywood, and global culture, but his influence will be felt for generations.

Armani was born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, Italy, to Maria Raimondi and Ugo Armani. Early in life, he had no plans to enter fashion. He studied medicine for three years before pausing his education to fulfill mandatory military service. 

Afterwards, he found employment at a Milan department store, starting as a window dresser and later becoming a buyer. These early experiences gave him practical knowledge of retail, customer needs, and visual presentation. Reflecting on his philosophy, Armani said, “I design for real people. There is no virtue whatsoever in creating clothes and accessories that are not practical.” From these words, it is clear that Armani’s vision was rooted in usability as much as style.

In 1975, Giorgio Armani launched his own label with business and life partner Sergio Galeotti. They funded the first collection by selling their Volkswagen, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. Armani’s designs immediately stood out for rethinking menswear. He created jackets with lighter construction, softer fabrics, and natural lines, giving men freedom of movement while retaining structure. 

By the late 1970s, this approach revolutionized professional dressing. Armani’s menswear suits became symbols of power and confidence, while his women’s suits, featuring structured jackets and trousers, gave a new form of authority to professional women. The fashion designer explained, “Eighty percent of what I do is discipline. The rest is creativity,” a philosophy that guided his career for decades.

International recognition came quickly. In 1980, the film American Gigolo showcased Richard Gere in Armani, introducing the world to a relaxed, modern take on menswear. Television shows like Miami Vice cemented the style as a cultural reference, with the combination of a T-shirt under a soft suit jacket becoming iconic. 

For women, Armani’s designs offered the same sense of strength and presence. Julia Roberts famously wore a menswear-inspired suit at the 1990 Golden Globes, saying, “I loved the shape of it. For me, this was the epitome of being dressed up.” Armani’s creations gave people clothing that not only looked good but also felt purposeful, expressing authority, confidence, and personal identity.

Hollywood became a natural showcase for the couturier’s vision. Lady Gaga praised him for her 2010 Grammy outfits, saying, “The series of pieces Mr. Armani created for me are truly iconic; they represent not only beautiful fashion, but my spirit and essence as an artist. Mr. Armani is a fashion legend, and tonight would not have been the same without his touch.” Other celebrities who relied on Armani included Rihanna, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, and Glenn Close.

Armani’s influence extended beyond events and red carpets; he designed wedding attire for Katie Holmes and Princess Charlene of Monaco, creating pieces that were modern and memorable without losing a sense of personal character.

Shortly after, the Giorgio Armani brand expanded into lifestyle offerings, including Armani Privé, Emporio Armani, and Armani Exchange, as well as fragrances, home collections, cosmetics, restaurants, bars, and clubs. He even owned the professional basketball team EA7 Emporio Armani Milan. By the time of the fashion icon’s death, his empire employed over 9,000 people and was valued at more than $10 billion. 

Despite the size of his operations, Armani maintained close involvement in all aspects of his brand. He explained, “If you make clothes that are not part of the world we live in, they will be meaningless,” underscoring his focus on relevance and practical style.

Giorgio’s personal style reflected the same principles as his work. He favored simple, clean lines, muted colors, and functional clothing. His private homes and public spaces were uncluttered and intentional, mirroring the clarity he brought to his designs. Style, for Armani, was about presence and intention, not ornamentation or display. He believed in precision and focus, both in design and in life, stating that true results come from a combination of discipline and vision.

Even at the height of his fame, the designer remained private and devoted to his craft. The death of Sergio Galeotti in 1985 was a major personal loss, yet Armani continued to expand his business with determination. 

He worked closely with his family, particularly his niece Roberta, who oversaw public relations and VIP connections, representing the fashion house at high-profile events and acting as a liaison with the celebrity world. Armani’s life illustrated how talent, focus, and persistence could combine to create lasting influence.

Giorgio Armani was also involved in numerous charitable initiatives, from support for children to AIDS research, and in 2002 he became a United Nations goodwill ambassador for refugees. Donatella Versace described him as a “giant” whose influence would be remembered forever, while Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni called him “a symbol of the best Italy.” Armani’s vision went beyond garments, shaping culture, perception, and identity on a global scale.

The king of powersuits’ designs were recognized for clarity, balance, and presence. Jackets, trousers, and gowns carried a recognizable look that gave confidence to those who wore them. Armani once said, “I love things that age well, things that don’t date and become living examples of the absolute best.” His creations were not meant to follow fleeting trends but to endure, becoming part of the wearer’s life, not just a fashion statement.

Armani’s work touched a variety of moments in life. From red carpets to boardrooms, weddings to awards shows, his designs were reliable, striking, and purposeful. Celebrities trusted him not only for how his clothing looked but for how it expressed their individuality. His attention to personal detail and connection with clients turned fashion into storytelling, where each outfit carried meaning and presence.

Beyond clothing, Armani extended his vision to lifestyle spaces. Hotels, restaurants, bars, and personal residences echoed his principles of clarity, structure, and focus. Whether in Milan, Dubai, or St. Tropez, his spaces reflected a lifestyle of intention, consistency, and quality. Armani’s approach showed that fashion could shape the environment as much as personal appearance, creating a complete vision of how people lived and moved in the world.

In his final years, Giorgio remained deeply involved in his business. He missed Milan Fashion Week in June 2025 due to health reasons but continued to guide collections remotely. He had planned succession with long-time collaborator Leo Dell’Orco and niece Silvana Armani to lead creative direction, ensuring the brand would continue without losing its identity. Armani’s leadership, like his design, was deliberate, disciplined, and precise, leaving a strong foundation for the future.

The fashion designer is survived by his sister Rosanna, her son Andrea Camerana, and nieces Silvana and Roberta Armani. His legacy continues through his family, his collaborators, and the thousands of people inspired by his vision. As Armani himself said, “In reality, though, I have no regrets. I did what I wanted.” His life, work, and influence continue to shape the way people dress, present themselves, and think about style around the world.

The funeral chamber will be open in Milan, at Via Bergognone 59 inside the Armani/Teatro, from Saturday, September 6th to Sunday, September 7th, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. In line with Giorgio Armani’s expressed wishes, the funeral service will remain private.

Photo: Marc Piasecki/Getty Images