Giorgio Armani, Italian Fashion Maestro, Dies Aged 91
The fashion world mourns the loss of Giorgio Armani, the iconic Italian designer who passed away on September 4, 2025, at the age of 91. The Armani Group announced that he died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones.
A pioneer of refined minimalism, Armani founded his namesake fashion house in 1975, expanding it into a sprawling luxury enterprise spanning high fashion, perfumes, home furnishings, and lifestyle brands such as Emporio Armani and Armani Casa.
Renowned for soft-shouldered tailoring and a sleek, “stealth wealth” aesthetic, he redefined modern elegance and became a symbol of understated luxury.
His breakthrough moment came in 1980, when Richard Gere wore Armani’s pieces in American Gigolo, catapulting him to international fame.
Through decades of dedication, he maintained full control of his brand, rebuffing major conglomerate buyouts to preserve its independence.
This September, Armani was set to mark a milestone, 50 years of his fashion house, with a grand showcase in Milan during Fashion Week.
Tributes and Farewell
Fanfare of grief and respect poured in globally. Stars like Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Donatella Versace hailed Armani as a visionary and “a giant”.
The fashion community echoed his legacy as a master of refined tailoring and timeless design
In Milan, a sole red rose was gently placed outside Armani’s offices as a symbol of tribute
A public viewing is scheduled at Armani/Teatro in Milan on September 6–7, while a private funeral ceremony will follow in line with Armani’s wishes.
Legacy of Elegance and Innovation
Born in 1934 in Piacenza, Armani initially pursued medical studies before discovering fashion through window-dressing in Milan. In partnership with Sergio Galeotti, he launched his brand in 1975 and quickly rose to become a defining figure in contemporary style.
Armani is credited with pioneering the modern power suit for both men and women, softening rigid tailoring into a naturally elegant form. His influence extended beyond fashion: he set high standards in ethics, such as banning ultra-thin models, and expanded into luxury hotels, lifestyle products, and even sports.
Despite recent health challenges and his absence at Milan Fashion Week in June
Armani remained actively involved in the business until his final days