Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian fashion designer who redefined modern elegance through pared-down simplicity, has died at the age of 91.
The Armani Group, in a statement on Thursday, confirmed his passing. “Il Signor Armani, as he was always respectfully and admiringly called by employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones,” the company said. “Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and the many ongoing and future projects.”
Armani’s career spanned nearly five decades, during which he transformed the fashion landscape with his signature aesthetic of understated tailoring. From the soft-shouldered suit to the sleek evening gown, his designs became synonymous with sophistication. Celebrities, statesmen and Hollywood’s elite were among his most devoted clients.
Equally astute in business as in design, Armani built an empire that generated revenues of more than $2.7 billion annually. His label stretched across haute couture, ready-to-wear, accessories, fragrances, home interiors and hospitality.
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He had been in declining health in recent months and, for the first time in his career, missed Milan’s Men’s Fashion Week in June, where his absence from the catwalk was keenly felt.
Armani’s imprint on global fashion was profound. By stripping away excess and focusing on fluidity, he brought new ease to dressing that influenced designers and defined an era. His creations for the screen-perhaps most famously the wardrobe for American Gigolo—cemented his reputation as both innovator and tastemaker.
His death marks the end of a chapter in European fashion, though his legacy will endure in the house he founded and the style he immortalised.
The Armani Group said more details regarding memorial arrangements would be shared later.
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