Legendary Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani has passed away at 91, the Armani Group announced Thursday.
“With profound sorrow, the Armani Group shares the loss of its creator, founder, and visionary,” read a statement from Armani’s family and employees.
Renowned for his timeless designs and modern approach to Italian fashion, Armani changed menswear in the 1970s and 1980s with unstructured jackets and muted palettes, blending business attire with high fashion. His influence extended beyond the runway, redefining red carpet style and Hollywood glamour.
Armani’s Hollywood debut came at the 1978 Academy Awards when Diane Keaton wore his designs, a beige jacket with a long skirt, making her the first actress to showcase his work on the red carpet. This began his lasting connection with the film industry.
Tributes poured in following the news. Actress Julia Roberts, a close friend, wrote, “A true friend. A Legend. 💔.”
In June, Armani missed Men’s Fashion Week in Milan for the first time due to health concerns. At the time, the company said he was “recovering at home.”
Armani co-founded his fashion house in 1975 in Milan, earning the nickname “Re Giorgio” (King Giorgio) for his meticulous attention to detail. From ad campaigns to styling models, his influence was felt in every aspect of his brand. Remarkably, he remained the sole shareholder of the empire, which generated $2.7 billion in revenue last year. His net worth was estimated at $9.43 billion by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
The Armani Group announced a public funeral will be held in Milan this weekend, followed by a private ceremony. The world says goodbye to a fashion icon whose vision will continue to inspire for generations.
