Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian fashion designer known for redefining modern elegance, has died at the age of 91.
His company, the Armani Group, announced his passing on Thursday through an official statement shared across its social media platforms.
“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” the statement read. According to the brand, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
Despite his age, Armani continued working actively on collections and projects until his final days.
A Life That Reshaped Global Fashion
Born on July 11, 1934, in the northern Italian town of Piacenza, Giorgio Armani originally set out to study medicine.
However, he left medical school to explore his growing passion for design, beginning his fashion journey as a window dresser at a Milan department store. He later trained in the atelier of renowned designer Nino Cerruti.
In 1975, Armani launched his own fashion house under his name. With a focus on clean lines, muted colors, and understated sophistication, Armani’s designs quickly caught international attention.
His breakthrough moment came in 1980 when he designed the wardrobe for Richard Gere’s character in the film American Gigolo, a move that catapulted his brand into Hollywood and solidified his status as a tastemaker.
“I was the first to soften the image of men, and harden the image of women,” Armani wrote in his 2015 book. “I dressed men in women’s fabrics, and stole from men what women wanted and needed—the power suit.”
Throughout his career, Armani dressed many of the world’s top celebrities for red carpet events, including Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett, and Michelle Pfeiffer. His designs became synonymous with timeless class and were embraced by both the entertainment elite and global dignitaries.
