Legendary Italian fashion designer and entrepreneur Giorgio Armani, founder of the Armani company, has passed away at the age of 91, the Armani Group announced. “Mr. Armani, as he was always respectfully and admiringly called by employees and partners, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Untiring, he worked until his last days, dedicating himself to the company, its collections, and various constantly evolving projects,” La Repubblica reported, citing the company’s statement.
A public farewell to the designer will take place in Milan at the Teatro Armani on September 6 and 7. The funeral will be a private ceremony, in accordance with his final wishes.
Giorgio Armani’s Creative Journey
Born in Piacenza in 1934, Giorgio Armani’s entry into the fashion world was not immediate. He initially studied medicine, but in 1964, he joined the fashion house Nino Cerruti. There, he quickly acquired technical skills and took charge of the men’s design line.
In 1974, Armani presented a collection under his own name for the first time. A year later, he co-founded Giorgio Armani S.p.A. with his friend and partner, architect Sergio Galeotti. Galeotti managed the financial aspects, allowing Armani to fully dedicate himself to creative work.
Under their leadership, iconic brands such as Giorgio Armani USA, Emporio Armani, and Armani Jeans were established. These lines helped make high fashion more accessible to a broader audience. A defining characteristic of the Armani empire has always been its independence: it never became part of larger luxury holdings, maintaining family control over all its processes. In 2005, the designer launched his own haute couture line, Armani Privé.
Giorgio Armani will forever remain one of the most influential designers in fashion history. His minimalist style, impeccable tailoring, and understated elegance transformed perceptions of both men’s and women’s clothing, becoming synonymous with classic luxury. His name became a symbol of quality, style, and entrepreneurial independence.