Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer whose minimalist tailoring and business mastery reshaped global fashion over five decades, has died at age 91.
At a Glance
- Armani died on September 4, 2025, at his home in Milan, surrounded by loved ones, confirmed by his fashion house.
- Known as “Re Giorgio,” he founded his company in 1975 and remained its creative force and CEO until his death.
- His design philosophy—unstructured jackets, soft tailoring, and the rise of red-carpet glamour—transformed menswear and established Milan as a fashion capital.
- A public visitation is scheduled for September 6–7 at Milan’s Armani/Teatro, followed by a private funeral per his wishes.
- His fashion empire extended into beauty, fragrance, home décor, hospitality, sports, and more, with a net worth estimated at over $12 billion.
A Fashion Revolution Anchored in Milan
Giorgio Armani, born in Piacenza in July 1934, launched his eponymous label in 1975 and quickly pioneered a new elegance characterized by relaxed silhouettes and soft-shouldered tailoring—essentials of what became known as “soft power dressing.” Over the ensuing decades, he became known for dressing power brokers from boardrooms to Hollywood red carpets, notably beginning the red-carpet glamour trend with looks like Richard Gere’s in American Gigolo.
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His empire—spanning lines such as Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, Armani Privé, and Armani/Casa—evolved into a diversified lifestyle brand that included fragrances, home interiors, hotels, and even a professional basketball team. Armani kept creative and executive control until his final days, remaining both CEO and sole shareholder.
Final Farewell and Enduring Legacy
According to the Armani Group, Giorgio Armani passed away “with infinite sorrow… the creator, founder and tireless driving force” of the brand. He had recently missed runway shows in Milan due to illness, marking the first time in his career, even as he had been preparing for the brand’s 50-year milestone during Milan Fashion Week.
A public funeral chamber will open on September 6 and 7 at Milan’s Armani/Teatro, followed by a private funeral service in accordance with his wishes.
Armani’s influence extended beyond fashion—he elevated Italian style on the global stage and harmonized business acumen with creative genius. His minimalist designs and timeless elegance reshaped both wardrobes and industry standards, cementing his place in history as a visionary of modern elegance.
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