Global fashion Icon Giorgio Armani passes away at 91

Renowned Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy that has defined elegance and style for decades. Armani passed away in Milan, Italy, with his company announcing the news in a statement on Thursday, September 4, 2025.

“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” the statement read.

According to his company, Armani “worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and the many ongoing future projects”.

Armani’s impact on the fashion world is immeasurable. He revolutionized the industry with his understated yet sophisticated designs, creating a multibillion-dollar fashion empire.

His iconic style, characterized by clean lines, soft fabrics, and muted tones, has been a hallmark of elegance for decades. From the executive office to the Hollywood screen, Armani’s designs have dressed the rich and famous, making him one of the most recognizable names in the global fashion industry.

Armani’s journey in fashion began in the 1970s when he and his partner, Sergio Galeotti, started their own menswear ready-to-wear label. Womenswear followed a year later, and the symbol of Armani’s new style – the liningless sports jacket – became an instant success.

The designer paired the jacket with a simple T-shirt, which he termed “the alpha and omega of the fashion alphabet”. The Armani suit soon became a staple in the wardrobe of the well-heeled man, while the introduction of the pantsuit in the executive workroom was a game-changer for women.

Armani’s designs were not just about aesthetics; they were also about empowering individuals to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.

His insistence on pants and jackets led some critics to label his fashion “androgynous,” but Armani’s vision was always about blurring the lines between traditional masculine and feminine styles.

At the time of his death, Armani’s empire was worth over $12 billion, according to Forbes. His business includes clothing, accessories, home furnishings, perfumes, cosmetics, books, flowers, and even chocolates.

Armani’s success extends beyond fashion; he also owned several bars, clubs, and restaurants, as well as his own basketball team, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan.

Armani’s legacy is not just about his designs or his business acumen; it’s also about the impact he had on the people who worked with him.

His company statement paid tribute to his tireless work ethic and dedication to his craft, saying, “Giorgio Armani is a company with fifty years of history, built with emotion and patience. Giorgio Armani always made independence – of thought and action – his hallmark.”

Born in 1934 in Piacenza, Italy, Armani grew up in a family that valued creativity and hard work. His father worked as an accountant, while his mother was a homemaker.

Armani’s journey in fashion began when he got a job as a window dresser at a department store in Milan. He eventually worked his way up in the industry, designing menswear for Nino Cerruti in the 1960s.

Armani’s personal life was marked by his long-term relationship with Sergio Galeotti, with whom he started his fashion label. Galeotti’s death in 1985 was a significant loss for Armani, but he continued to build his empire, driven by his passion for fashion and creativity.

Giorgio Armani’s passing marks the end of an era in fashion, and it’s fitting to reflect on his legacy without diminishing its significance with a casual “but.” Instead, let’s focus on the lasting impact he left on the industry.

Armani’s influence on fashion is undeniable. He revolutionized men’s fashion by introducing unstructured, lightweight suits that offered a relaxed yet sophisticated alternative to traditional attire.

His designs empowered women, too, with iconic power suits that exuded confidence and authority. Armani’s commitment to quality, attention to detail, and timeless style have made him a true icon in the fashion world.

As we remember Armani’s remarkable life and career, it’s clear that his legacy extends far beyond his designs. He redefined elegance, blending luxury, comfort, and accessibility to create a new standard for the fashion industry.

His impact on modern style and the global fashion industry will continue to inspire future generations.

With a career spanning over five decades, Armani built a $10 billion empire, expanding his brand into perfumes, cosmetics, home furnishings, and more. His dedication to philanthropy and sustainability has also left a lasting mark on the industry.