Italian fashion legend and billionaire designer Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91. Revered as the archetype of Italian elegance, Armani redefined the modern suit and built one of the most powerful luxury empires in the world.
His brand, founded in 1975, grew beyond fashion into beauty, fragrance, sports, music, and even luxury hotels, generating over £2 billion annually. Despite his age, Armani worked until his final days.
A statement on the company’s Instagram page described him as “indefatigable to the end” and “driven by relentless curiosity and a deep attention to the present and to people.”
As per media reports, tributes poured in from across the fashion world and beyond. Donatella Versace called him a “giant” who “made history and will be remembered forever.”
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Paul Smith praised his “continuity, down-to-earth nature, and independence,” while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed him as “an icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best of Italy.”
Ci lascia a 91 anni Giorgio Armani. Con la sua eleganza, sobrietà e creatività ha saputo dare lustro alla moda italiana e ispirare il mondo intero. Un’icona, un lavoratore instancabile, un simbolo dell’Italia migliore. Grazie di tutto. pic.twitter.com/Rwyu4mXW54
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) September 4, 2025
Hollywood stars also remembered their close ties with the designer. Russell Crowe said Armani had been present at “so many significant moments” in his life, while Julia Roberts shared a photograph of them together, writing: “A true friend. A legend.”
Armani was long considered a pioneer, he was the first designer to ban underweight models from the runway, revolutionised red-carpet dressing for celebrities, and designed costumes for films such as American Gigolo and The Wolf of Wall Street. He also collaborated with stars like Lady Gaga, Zendaya, and Cate Blanchett.
Born in 1934, Armani began his career in medicine before moving into fashion in the 1960s and founding his label with partner Sergio Galeotti. His refined silhouettes and meticulous tailoring became synonymous with timeless Italian style.
Throughout his career, Armani faced criticism, whether for controversial comments or tax disputes, but his influence on fashion remained unmatched.
Vogue’s Laura Ingham described him as a “titan of the fashion industry,” adding: “If you don’t know anything about fashion, you’ll still know Giorgio Armani.”
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A sports enthusiast, he supported Inter Milan, owned the Olimpia Milano basketball team, and partnered with Ferrari’s F1 team. He was also decorated with honours including the French Legion of Honour and Italy’s Order of Merit for Labour.
Even in his 90s, Armani continued showing collections in Milan and Paris, including a politically inspired show earlier this year. But concerns over his health surfaced in June when he missed Milan Fashion Week, later directing a couture show remotely from his home.
Armani’s passing marks the end of an era. His legacy, of elegance, discipline, and innovation, will continue to shape global fashion for generations.
