Italian fashion legend, Giorgio Armani, has passed away at the age of 91, marking the end of an era in global haute couture and luxury design.
The Armani Group, the company he founded and nurtured into one of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses, announced his death in a statement released on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani.
‘Il Signor Armani,’ as he was respectfully and admiringly called by employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones,” the statement read.
The company added that Armani, who had worked relentlessly until his last days, remained deeply committed to his collections and business projects even at 91.
His funeral will be held privately, in accordance with his personal wishes.
Born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, Italy, Giorgio Armani rose to prominence in the 1970s, redefining elegance and sophistication in modern fashion.
He was best known for pioneering clean lines, neutral tones, and power suits that became the global standard for business and luxury dressing.
Armani’s minimalist yet timeless style made him one of the most influential designers of the 20th and 21st centuries.
His brand expanded beyond clothing into fragrances, accessories, eyewear, home interiors, and even luxury hotels.
By the 1990s, Armani had become a global empire, cementing his reputation as not just a designer but a visionary entrepreneur.
One of Armani’s most enduring contributions was his close relationship with Hollywood.
His tailored suits and red-carpet gowns have been worn by some of the world’s biggest stars, including Richard Gere in American Gigolo, Jodie Foster, Cate Blanchett, George Clooney, and Leonardo DiCaprio.
The designer once said that he believed clothing was “the silent language of elegance,” a philosophy that resonated deeply with both celebrities and everyday professionals.
His ability to blend sophistication with wearability set him apart in an industry often accused of excess.
Armani was more than a creative genius; he was also a shrewd businessman.
His brand, Armani Group, employs thousands worldwide and generates billions in revenue annually.
With sub-brands like Emporio Armani, Armani Exchange, and Giorgio Armani Privé, he created a layered brand identity that appealed to both the elite and younger generations seeking affordable luxury.
In 2023, Forbes estimated his net worth at over $6 billion, making him one of the wealthiest and most successful fashion designers in the world.
Despite this, Armani was known for his humility and hands-on approach, often overseeing fittings himself and maintaining a close-knit team.
Since the announcement of his death, tributes have poured in from leaders, celebrities, and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed him as “a cultural ambassador who represented the best of Italian creativity and excellence.”
Hollywood actor Richard Gere, whose Armani suits in American Gigolo cemented the designer’s fame in America, described him as “a master who transformed the way we dressed and carried ourselves.”
Luxury conglomerates and rival fashion houses, including Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton, also paid their respects, acknowledging Armani’s role in shaping the global fashion industry.
Armani’s influence extended beyond the runway. He was a philanthropist who supported global health initiatives, disaster relief, and social causes.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Armani donated millions to Italian hospitals and personally advocated for resilience and solidarity.
He also promoted sustainable fashion, calling for “a future where elegance does not cost the planet.” His commitment to timeless design was, in part, a rejection of fast fashion trends that dominate today’s industry.
With his passing, many in the fashion world believe a significant chapter has closed. Armani embodied the golden age of Italian fashion alongside contemporaries such as Gianni Versace and Valentino Garavani.
However, unlike many of his peers, Armani never sold out to global luxury conglomerates, preferring to maintain independence and control over his company.
Fashion analysts say his decision ensured that Armani remained authentic and true to its original vision—a rarity in the modern fashion business.
As the world mourns Giorgio Armani, one thing is certain: his legacy will continue to inspire generations of designers, fashion lovers, and entrepreneurs.
From the boardroom to the red carpet, his designs gave people confidence, elegance, and a sense of identity.
His passing is not just the loss of a designer but of a cultural icon whose work changed the way the world dressed.