The fashion world is in mourning following the death of Italian designer Giorgio Armani, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 91. The Armani Group confirmed the news, sparking an immediate wave of tributes from celebrities, fellow designers, and political leaders. Armani, often called “Re Giorgio” or King Giorgio, was more than just a fashion designer. He transformed clothing into a global business empire while never losing sight of his quiet vision of elegance. His impact reached well beyond the runway, leaving a mark on film, music, and even art. His passing comes after a period of fragile health, which had already forced him to miss his own men’s fashion shows in June 2025 for the first time in decades.
Key Takeaways
Giorgio Armani, founder of the Armani fashion empire, has died at 91.
The Armani Group remembered him as a tireless creative force.
Celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Russell Crowe shared tributes.
Fellow designers including Donatella Versace and Ralph Lauren also honored him.
Armani reshaped modern menswear with his deconstructed, soft-tailored suits.
Reactions from around the world poured in quickly. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described Armani as “a symbol of the best of Italy” who inspired generations with his elegance and creative spirit. Ralph Lauren, the American designer, said he held deep respect for Armani, calling him someone who “never strayed from his vision.” He added that Armani lived his life with humility and a quiet joy that never dimmed.
For decades, Armani’s designs defined what modern dressing looked like. His signature aesthetic favored soft tailoring, muted tones, and clean lines. It was a deliberate shift away from the rigid, heavily structured suits of the 1970s. He became a household name after Richard Gere wore his suits in the 1980 film American Gigolo. Almost overnight, the Armani suit became a symbol of success and sophistication, carrying an aura that has lasted generations.
Hollywood stars were among the first to share personal memories. Julia Roberts, who had a long friendship with Armani, called him “A true friend. A Legend.” She famously wore an oversized grey Armani suit to the 1990 Golden Globes, a look that remains iconic even now. Morgan Freeman recalled the honor of wearing Armani both on and off screen, saying his genius “touched many lives.” Russell Crowe shared a more intimate story on X, writing about how producer Arnon Milchan sent him to an Armani store in 1997 for a suit. That single moment, he said, started a “love affair with Armani suits that continues to this day.”
Even long-time rivals in fashion showed admiration. Donatella Versace, despite years of business competition, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram: “The world lost a giant today. He made history and will be remembered forever.” Anna Wintour, chief content officer for Condé Nast, highlighted Armani’s unmistakable presence in the industry, saying he had “such a clear force of personality and vision” that his work was instantly recognizable. She added that Armani uniquely understood how women wanted to dress and what message they wanted to send through fashion.
Giorgio Armani’s life story is often described as one of reinvention. Born in Piacenza, Italy, in 1934, he originally pursued medicine before realizing his true calling lay elsewhere. He started humbly as a window dresser, later joining the fashion house Nino Cerruti. In 1975, alongside his partner Sergio Galeotti, he co-founded Giorgio Armani S.p.A. When Galeotti passed away in 1985, Armani assumed full control and steadily built one of the most successful lifestyle empires in the world. His company expanded beyond fashion into hotels, cosmetics, restaurants, and even home furnishings. Remarkably, Armani remained the sole shareholder, with Forbes recently estimating his net worth at $12.1 billion.
His passing leaves behind not just a fashion legacy but also a vision of timeless style that influenced the way people dress and how elegance itself is defined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who will inherit Giorgio Armani’s company and fortune?
A1: Giorgio Armani was the sole owner of his company. He had no children, and the succession plan for his business has been a topic of discussion for many years. His nieces, Roberta and Silvana Armani, and his long-time assistant, Pantaleo Dell’Orco, are all expected to have a role in the company’s future.
Q2. What was Giorgio Armani’s signature fashion style?
A2: Armani was known for his soft, deconstructed suits and an elegant, minimalist style. He used a lot of neutral tones like beige, grey, and navy. His designs were popular because they offered a comfortable yet powerful look, especially for professional men and women.
Q3. How did Giorgio Armani influence Hollywood?
A3: Armani changed red-carpet dressing by creating a connection between fashion and film. He dressed many top actors for premieres and award shows. His designs became a standard for sophisticated on-screen characters and off-screen appearances, cementing his place in pop culture.
