Giorgio Armani, Visionary Italian Designer and Empire Builder, Dies at 91

oufozPost:
Milan — Giorgio Armani, the Italian fashion designer who redefined modern elegance and built an enduring global luxury empire, has died at the age of 91, the Armani Group confirmed Thursday. He passed away at home after recently stepping back from his legendary role amid health concerns.

Armani’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of late-20th-century fashion. He pioneered an unstructured silhouette—marked by minimalism, soft tailoring, and an urban palette—that became the touchstone of chic and quietly confident dressing. By the early 1980s, celebrities from Richard Gere to Julia Roberts wore his designs, elevating him to the status of a Hollywood favorite.

Founded in 1975, his label grew into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise encompassing haute couture, ready-to-wear, home interiors, perfumes, cosmetics, restaurants, and hotels. At the time of his death, his fortune exceeded $10 billion, placing him among the world’s 200 wealthiest individuals.

This summer, health concerns forced Armani to miss Milan Fashion Week for the first time, delaying the milestone 50th-anniversary showcase scheduled for September. Yet he continued to engage in the final days of his life, remaining creatively involved and thoughtful about the brand’s future.

Throughout his career, Armani insisted on maintaining independence—not joining any of the major luxury conglomerates—prioritizing artistic control and personal integrity above expansionist ambition.

Born in Piacenza in 1934, Armani initially studied medicine before pivoting toward fashion. He founded his atelier with partner Sergio Galeotti, who provided both early financial support and business acumen. The partnership endured until Galeotti’s death in 1995, after which Armani continued alone.

For half a century, Armani stood as a symbol of quiet luxury—a master of the “stealth wealth” aesthetic whose clean-lined creations communicated power with subtlety. His impact transformed the way both men and women dressed, influencing everything from boardrooms to red carpets.

A Legacy in Tailoring

As a private man, Armani’s mourning in the fashion world speaks volumes about his influence. He leaves behind a company built on discipline, taste, and unwavering vision—ensuring that the house bearing his name will remain synonymous with refined elegance for generations to come.