The world-renowned Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani passed away peacefully at the age of 91, surrounded by his loved ones, the Armani Group announced on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
The company expressed profound sorrow, describing Armani as its creator, founder, and relentless driving force behind the global fashion empire.
Often affectionately called “Re Giorgio” or King Giorgio, Armani revolutionized modern Italian elegance and became synonymous with timeless, minimalist designs and sharp tailoring that defined red-carpet glamour.
He launched his iconic fashion house in Milan in 1975 and quickly rose to international acclaim, dressing Hollywood stars, world leaders, and shaping the aesthetics of contemporary luxury fashion.
Armani was known not just for his fashion genius, but also for his perfectionism, overseeing every aspect of his brand—from runway shows and advertising campaigns to the smallest details of styling and merchandising.
His empire expanded beyond clothing to include luxury hotels, accessories, footwear, cosmetics, and home décor, generating over €2.3 billion in revenue in 2024.
Health issues had recently kept Armani from participating in key events; notably, he missed Milan’s Men’s Fashion Week in June 2025—his first-ever absence from his own show—and also skipped the Paris Armani Prive show on medical advice.
Nonetheless, he continued to approve and guide every creative detail remotely until his final days.
Armani’s death came just weeks before the planned celebrations marking 50 years of his brand.
In his final interview in late August, he outlined plans for a gradual family-led succession involving trusted aides and relatives like Leo Dell’Orco and his nephew Andrea Camerana to maintain the brand’s legacy.
Tributes poured in from across the globe. Italy’s Culture Minister praised Armani as a transformative figure in Italian culture and a symbol of Italian identity.
Hollywood stars like Julia Roberts and Diane Kruger, as well as fellow designers including Donatella Versace, expressed heartfelt condolences and celebrated his monumental influence on fashion and culture.
A memorial chamber will be opened on Saturday and Sunday in Milan for public respects, followed by a private funeral to be held later.
Armani’s legacy endures in every sharp suit, elegant dress, and sophisticated design that revolutionized how the world perceives style and sophistication.
