Legendary Fashion Icon Giorgio Armani Dies at 91 — A Look Back at His Legacy
Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian fashion designer known for redefining elegance and commanding one of the world’s most influential fashion empires, has passed away at the age of 91, the Armani Group announced today. Armani died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. Known within the company as “Il Signor Armani,” he remained actively involved in his work until the very end.
Giorgio Armani: A Visionary Who Blurred Industries
Armani passed away peacefully at his Milan home surrounded by loved ones, the company said in a statement on Instagram. “With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder and tireless driving force,” it read. Known affectionately as “Il Signor Armani,” he remained deeply involved in his work until the very end.
Fashion Empire Meets Entertainment Powerhouse
Since launching his label in 1975, Armani created a global empire spanning ready-to-wear, couture, accessories, fragrances, hotels and even sports sponsorships. But he wasn’t content to stop at fashion. His minimalist yet sharply tailored suits transformed red-carpet dressing and became synonymous with Hollywood sophistication. Armani famously dressed Richard Gere in American Gigolo (1980), cementing the power-suit aesthetic in pop culture and setting off a trend that rippled through film, television and corporate boardrooms alike. In later decades, he outfitted Oscar nominees, pop icons and entire casts, turning his runways into casting calls for the entertainment elite.
A Lasting Cultural Imprint
Armani’s influence helped propel Milan into a global fashion capital while making high design feel accessible to a wider audience. In Hollywood, his clean lines and understated palettes became shorthand for modern glamour; in fashion, his relaxed tailoring revolutionized business attire and red-carpet styling. Tributes from Donatella Versace, Anna Wintour and movie stars worldwide hailed him as the rare designer who dressed not only bodies but entire eras—leaving a legacy of elegance and cinematic flair that will endure well beyond his passing.
A public viewing will be held in Milan this weekend, with a private funeral to follow.
