Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian fashion designer and founder of one of the world’s most influential fashion houses, passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the age of 91. The Armani Group confirmed the news in a statement, describing him as its “creator, founder, and tireless driving force.”
From Humble Beginnings to a Fashion Empire
In 1975, Armani and his business partner Sergio Galeotti sold their Volkswagen and invested just $10,000 to launch their menswear label. A women’s line followed a year later. His unlined soft-shouldered jackets paired with simple T-shirts quickly became emblematic of a new era of style—one that conquered Hollywood, Wall Street, and beyond.
One of his most groundbreaking contributions came in the 1980s, when Armani introduced the women’s power suit—broad-shouldered, sharply tailored jackets with masculine trousers—that redefined workplace attire for women and became a symbol of empowerment.
Beyond Fashion: Building a Global Luxury World
Today, Armani’s empire is valued at more than $10 billion, spanning far beyond clothing. The brand encompasses accessories, fragrances, cosmetics, home décor, books, flowers, and even chocolates. According to Forbes, Armani ranked among the world’s top 200 billionaires.
The Armani Group employs nearly 9,000 people, with women making up half of its executive leadership. With seven production hubs and over 600 boutiques worldwide, the house has become a cornerstone of global luxury.
Armani also left his mark on hospitality, opening more than 20 restaurants and cafés worldwide since 1998, along with two luxury hotels—one in Dubai (2009) and another in Milan (2010). He even owned the basketball team Olimpia Milano, further extending his influence into the world of sports.
Hollywood’s Designer of Choice
Armani’s international fame skyrocketed when he designed Richard Gere’s wardrobe in American Gigolo (1980). Soon after, his creations graced red carpets across the globe. From Sean Penn accepting his Oscar in 2009, to Anne Hathaway, Jodie Foster, George Clooney, Sophia Loren, and the Beckhams, countless stars became ambassadors of his minimalist elegance.
Hollywood became his ultimate runway, and in 2000 the Guggenheim Museum in New York honored him with a landmark retrospective exhibition covering 25 years of his career—a rare tribute for a living designer.
A Philosophy of Effortless Elegance
Armani himself embodied his aesthetic: sun-kissed skin, piercing blue eyes, silver hair, and his signature uniform of jeans and a navy T-shirt. His design ethos was rooted in “quiet elegance”, minimalism, and an obsession with detail.
“I design for real people,” he often said. “There is no virtue in creating clothes or accessories that aren’t practical.”
Though critics sometimes described his work as “genderless,” Armani embraced the concept of timelessness. As he put it: “I love things that age well, things that don’t date, that remain as examples of the best.”
A Legacy of Independence and Humanity
Nicknamed “Re Giorgio” (King Giorgio), Armani never sold or merged his company, remaining fiercely independent throughout his career. His leadership blended creativity with shrewd business acumen, turning his name into a global synonym for Italian elegance.
Like many of his generation, Armani also devoted part of his wealth and influence to humanitarian causes. A passionate supporter of the fight against AIDS, he was appointed UN Goodwill Ambassador for Refugees in 2002.
The Armani Group announced that a memorial will be held in Milan this weekend, followed by a private funeral at a later date.
Conclusion
Giorgio Armani’s passing marks not only the loss of a fashion visionary but the closing of an era in which clothing shaped identity, culture, and power. His legacy of simplicity, elegance, and independence will continue to inspire designers, artists, and dreamers for generations to come.
