Giorgio Armani, the Italian fashion designer celebrated worldwide as “King Giorgio,” has died at the age of 91, his fashion house announced on Thursday. The billionaire designer passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family.
“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” the company said in a statement. “Il Signor Armani, as he was always respectfully and admiringly called by employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.”
The statement added that Armani worked until his final days, continuing to dedicate himself to the company, collections, and projects. A funeral chamber will be set up at Milan’s Armani Teatro on Saturday and Sunday between 9am and 6pm, allowing the public to pay their respects. A private ceremony will follow at a later date.
Armani, who did not attend his Milan runway shows in June due to illness, remained active despite his health challenges. In an interview with the Financial Times just last week, he revealed that he “oversaw every aspect of the show remotely via video link.” He admitted, “My greatest weakness is that I am in control of everything. Everything you will see has been done under my direction and carries my approval.”
Tributes poured in from leaders and celebrities across the world. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote on X, “Giorgio Armani leaves us at 91 years old. With his elegance, sobriety, and creativity, he was able to bring luster to Italian fashion and inspire the entire world. An icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best of Italy. Thank you for everything.”
Fashion figures also honored his legacy. Donatella Versace said, “The world has lost a giant today. He made history and will be remembered forever.” Designer Valentino Garavani described him as “always considered a friend, never a rival,” adding: “I can only bow to his immense talent, the changes he brought to fashion, and above all to his unwavering loyalty to one style: his own.” Actress Julia Roberts, who famously wore Armani menswear at the Golden Globe Awards in 1990, shared a photo of them together on Instagram, captioned, “A true friend. A Legend.”
The football world also paid tribute, with Juventus calling Armani a “timeless icon of elegance and Italian style,” while Napoli FC owner Aurelio de Laurentiis expressed his sadness at the loss of “my friend Giorgio Armani.”
Born in Piacenza, northern Italy, in July 1934, Armani initially studied medicine but abandoned his studies after a part-time job as a department store window dresser introduced him to the world of fashion. By the late 1970s, he had made his mark with the “Armani suit,” and in the 1980s, he pioneered the female “power suit.” His designs became staples on Hollywood red carpets, worn by stars such as George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, Lady Gaga, and Julia Roberts.
Armani also made his mark in film, designing costumes for more than 200 movies, including Richard Gere’s wardrobe in American Gigolo (1980). His achievements earned him top honors, including the French Legion of Honour and Italy’s Order of Merit for Labour.
At the time of his death, Armani’s empire was valued at more than £7.44 billion, spanning clothing, home furnishings, perfumes, books, flowers, bars, clubs, and restaurants. He also owned the basketball team EA7 Armani Milan, better known as Olympia Milano.
Armani, admired for his longevity and vision, remained a central figure in fashion for five decades. While he occasionally courted controversy, including a 2015 remark on fashion among gay men and a 2009 tax settlement with Italian authorities, his influence on global fashion remained unmatched.
