Italian fashion pioneer Giorgio Armani has passed away at the age of 91. The fashion house, which was preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year, announced the designer’s death with deep sorrow. According to the fashion house, Armani passed away at his home. In June 2025, he had missed Milan Fashion Week for the first time due to health issues, and this month he was preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his brand.
Armani brought Italian ready-to-wear style to the international fashion map with his unlined jackets and simple trouser combinations developed in the late 1970s. His designs, reflecting the concept of “everyday elegance,” combined soft fabrics, neutral tones, and relaxed silhouettes, laying the foundation for a fashion empire that lasted more than half a century. From Hollywood red carpets to corporate boardrooms, Armani’s classic suits and sparkling evening gowns became iconic.
The King of Hollywood and Fashion
Armani gained international fame through the 1980 film American Gigolo, worn by Richard Gere, and since then became an indispensable name both on the big screen and at the Oscars. Celebrities such as Sean Penn, Anne Hathaway, Sophia Loren, and George Clooney have all graced the red carpet in Armani creations.
Armani’s influence extended beyond fashion into lifestyle. More than 20 restaurants, two hotels worldwide, and the Milan-based basketball team EA7 Emporio Armani Milano were just a few of his ventures. Simplicity and elegance defined every detail, from his properties to his personal style. With a fortune exceeding $10 billion, Armani was among the world’s wealthiest individuals and also made a significant impact in social responsibility, supporting AIDS research and refugee aid projects.
Born in Piacenza in 1934, Armani initially dreamed of becoming a doctor but began his fashion journey as a window dresser, eventually transforming it into global success. Known in Italy as “Re Giorgio” or “King George,” Armani remained independent throughout his life; he never sold his brand nor merged it with another company.
Throughout his career spanning more than fifty years, his approach to understated elegance made him not just a designer but one of the founders of contemporary aesthetics. Today, his legacy is remembered not only through his timeless designs but also for inspiring people to incorporate elegance into their everyday lives.
