Fashion Stalwart Giorgio Armani Dies at 91, Legacy, Empire & Funeral Details

The world of fashion is mourning the loss of Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian designer whose vision of understated elegance reshaped modern style. Armani, aged 91, passed away at home, his fashion house confirmed on Thursday. His death marks the end of an era, just months after he missed Milan Fashion Week 2025 for the first time, citing health concerns. Despite his declining condition, Armani maintained control of his empire until the very end, preparing for his company’s 50th anniversary celebration and outlining a succession plan led by trusted collaborators Leo Dell’Orco and niece Silvana Armani.

A Fashion Revolution

Born in Piacenza in 1934, Armani’s career began humbly as a window dresser, before he launched his label in 1975 with partner Sergio Galeotti. His signature innovation—the soft, unstructured jacket—revolutionized global fashion. By the late 1970s and 1980s, Armani’s relaxed tailoring became a global standard, epitomized by the iconic “power suit”, which embodied ambition from Wall Street to Hollywood.

His international breakthrough came when Richard Gere’s wardrobe in American Gigolo (1980) showcased Armani’s sleek designs, cementing a lasting bond between the brand and Hollywood. Over time, Armani’s work graced more than 200 films, countless red carpets, and the closets of celebrities, executives, and royalty alike.

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From Couture to Global Empire

Across five decades, Armani built a business empire worth over $10 billion. His brand expanded far beyond clothing to include accessories, fragrances, cosmetics, chocolates, flowers, and home furnishings. The Armani lifestyle empire also extended to hotels in Dubai and Milan, restaurants, bars, and even sports, with his ownership of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan basketball team.

In an era when most independent labels were swallowed by conglomerates, Armani stood firm. His decision to keep the company independent made him one of the few designers who retained both creative and business control of a global empire. Forbes frequently ranked him among the world’s top 200 billionaires, a testament to his influence not just in fashion but in global business.

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The Man Behind the Brand

Affectionately known as “Re Giorgio” (King George), Armani became as recognizable as his brand. With his silver hair, bronzed skin, and uniform of jeans and a simple t-shirt, he projected both humility and authority. His design philosophy was rooted in practicality, once declaring: “I design for real people. There is no virtue whatsoever in creating clothes and accessories that are not practical.”

Despite his gentle public demeanor, Armani was a sharp strategist. He safeguarded his legacy by establishing a foundation to ensure his empire’s continuity and prevent any corporate breakup after his passing.

Global Influence and Humanitarian Work

Armani’s contributions went beyond style. In 2000, the Guggenheim Museum in New York honored him with a major retrospective. He also championed humanitarian causes, supporting AIDS research, children’s charities, and serving as a UN goodwill ambassador for refugees in 2002.

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Though Armani never married or had children, he remained deeply connected to family. His niece Roberta Armani became one of the brand’s most public representatives and worked closely with him on business and cultural initiatives.

Funeral Details and Tributes

Armani’s funeral will be a private affair, attended by close family, friends, and longtime collaborators. Industry insiders expect a larger public memorial to be announced later in Milan, the city most associated with his career. Tributes are already pouring in from across the fashion world, with designers, celebrities, and business leaders remembering him as a pioneer who combined artistry with discipline.

Enduring Legacy

Armani’s influence lives on not only in the billions his empire generates but in the silhouette, spirit, and simplicity that defined his work. His soft tailoring and muted palettes shifted the fashion conversation from excess to elegance, from spectacle to subtlety.

The world has lost a giant, but Giorgio Armani’s legacy endures—in every power suit, every red-carpet gown, and every designer who learned that true style lies in simplicity.