Italian fashion icon, Giorgio Armani, has passed away at the age of 91, the Armani Group confirmed on Thursday.
“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” the statement read.
The company added that Armani “passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones,” noting that he remained devoted to his work until the end. “Tireless, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, its collections, and the diverse and ever-evolving projects both existing and in progress.”
Armani had been unwell for some time. He missed Milan’s Men’s Fashion Week in June, marking the first time in his career that he had not attended one of his own shows. His last public appearance occurred on May 21.
Fellow Italian designer Donatella Versace mourned the loss on Instagram, sharing a photo of Armani and writing, “The world lost a giant today.”
Dubbed “Re Giorgio”, or King Giorgio Armani founded his eponymous fashion house in 1975. The brand quickly became synonymous with sleek, understated elegance, spanning “from fashion to every aspect of life,” according to the company statement.
Armani’s breakthrough came in 1980 when he designed the suits worn by Richard Gere in American Gigolo. From there, his brand grew into a global empire, encompassing haute couture, ready-to-wear, eyewear, shoes, cosmetics, fragrances, home furnishings, and more.
His first red-carpet design was worn by Diane Keaton at the 1978 Academy Awards, when she won Best Actress for Annie Hall. Unlike the other stars in gowns, Keaton chose a skirt and blazer designed by Armani, seeking to appear relatable before glamorous.
Armani reflected on the moment in a 2020 interview with Grazia:
“It’s interesting to look back at this because, in 1978, all of us were adjusting how we thought of ourselves, socially and professionally,” he said. “In particular, women were discovering a new voice as professionals.”
He added that he was often credited with equipping women with a wardrobe that allowed them to compete with men. As the women’s power suit rose in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s, Armani’s designs became both a statement and a standard for the industry.
Armani’s signature pants and unlined jackets established a distinct silhouette, putting Italian ready-to-wear on the global fashion map.
Though renowned for suits, his dresses maintained the same elegance and focus on form that defined his work.
Forbes estimated Armani’s net worth at $12.1 billion, ranking him No. 235 among the world’s billionaires. His profile quoted him saying, “never satisfied”.
“In fact, as someone who is forever dissatisfied and obsessive in his search for perfection, I never give up until I’ve achieved the results I want,” he said.
In accordance with Armani’s wishes, the funeral service will be private. However, the public can attend a wake at the fashion house’s Teatro Armani in Milan on