He died the richest designer in the world. More importantly, he died as one of its most respected and revered.
Giorgio Armani, who passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the age of 91, was a colossus of the fashion world, a man whose diminutive 5 ft 8 in stature stood in inverse proportion to his monumental impact on the industry.
Over his remarkable 50-year career, Armani left an indelible mark on fashion, revolutionizing office wear for both men and women in the 1980s. He pioneered the concept of ‘stealth wealth’ in the 1990s, a style that emphasized understated luxury, and maintained a dominant presence on the red carpet until the very end of his life.
Armani dressed some of the biggest stars of the era, including Diane Keaton, Jodie Foster, Michelle Pfeiffer, Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, Beyoncé, Zendaya, and Cate Blanchett. His influence, however, extended far beyond celebrity culture. His suits became iconic in cinema, dressing Richard Gere in *American Gigolo* (1980), Robert De Niro in *Goodfellas* (1990), and Leonardo DiCaprio in *The Wolf of Wall Street* (2013).
As the most successful Italian fashion designer in history, Armani was also the most successful entrepreneur, holding sole ownership of an empire that transcended the catwalk. His relentless drive and ambition allowed him to oversee not just the Giorgio Armani label, but also Emporio Armani and the diffusion line Armani Exchange, with a couture line, Armani Privé, launched in 2005.
Armani was an early adopter of brand extension, creating Armani Casa, Armani Beauty, and Armani Hotels and Resorts. His name graced art exhibitions, live music performances, sporting events, and even chocolates, showcasing his multifaceted influence on culture and lifestyle.
One of the most memorable encounters I had with him was in 2011, during a rare interview to celebrate the launch of the Armani Hotel in Milan. Every detail of the hotel, from the color-coordinated Nespresso pods to the meticulously designed interiors, reflected Armani’s signature exactitude.
As the interview progressed, he opened up about his admiration for other designers, including the late Vivienne Westwood, whom he described as ‘an eccentric, but she is a genius,’ and Tom Ford, whom he called ‘brave, and very good at promoting himself.’ His insights revealed a man who, while humble, was deeply aware of his place in the fashion hierarchy.
Armani’s temperament was often described as ‘unobtrusive,’ a man who preferred to observe rather than dominate conversations. He communicated through his designs, believing that his clothing spoke volumes about his personality. ‘I’ve been wearing blue for so long that I can’t remember when I started,’ he told the *New York Times* in 2023. ‘I chose it because it matches my personality—pragmatic and reserved.’
Tributes poured in following his passing, with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni among the first to honor him. ‘With his elegance, sobriety, and creativity, he was able to bring luster to Italian fashion and inspire the entire world,’ she wrote on X. ‘An icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best of Italy. Thank you for everything.’
Family was paramount to Armani. Although he had no children, he was exceptionally close to his nieces, Roberta and Silvana, and his nephew, Andrea, all of whom played roles within the Armani Group. His sister, Rosanna, aged 86, is also considered an indirect heir to his estimated $12.1 billion (€10.4 billion) empire.
Despite his immense wealth, Armani often reflected on his life with a sense of regret, admitting that he spent too many hours working and not enough time with friends and family. A self-proclaimed workaholic, he remained the CEO and creative director of his company until his death, even as his health declined. In his final interview, he candidly acknowledged, ‘my greatest weakness is that I am in control of everything.’
This control was also his greatest strength. Fiercely independent, Armani consistently turned down offers from private equity groups and luxury conglomerates, choosing to keep his business privately owned. While profits had declined in recent years, the Armani Group remains one of the most successful privately-held fashion companies in history, boasting a revenue of €2.45 billion and operating profits of €215 million in 2023.
Born in the northern Italian town of Piacenza, Armani initially studied medicine at the University of Milan before serving in the army. He transitioned into fashion in 1957, starting as a window dresser at a Milanese department store. By the late 1960s, he partnered with Sergio Galeotti, and together they founded Giorgio Armani in 1975, with Armani selling his Volkswagen Beetle to fund his dreams. By 1982, he graced the cover of *Time Magazine*, hailed as ‘The King’ of fashion.
Armani’s true passion lay in suiting, rooted in the relaxed, soft-shouldered tradition of Neapolitan tailoring. His designs were timeless, reflecting a disdain for fleeting trends. He often surprised audiences with his bold choices, unafraid to showcase harem pants when skinny jeans dominated the scene. On the red carpet, Armani women epitomized understated elegance, regardless of the prevailing fashion fads.
In 1990, he dressed five of the biggest stars at the Oscars, including Jodie Foster and Julia Roberts, leading *Women’s Wear Daily* to dub the event the ‘Armani Awards.’ His strategic approach to celebrity endorsements solidified his brand’s status in Hollywood.
Armani is survived by his sister Rosanna, her son Andrea, and his beloved nieces Roberta and Silvana. A foundation established in 2016 aims to ensure the stability of the company, though the question of succession remains a complex issue.
As Armani passed just weeks before a planned 50th anniversary celebration at Milan Fashion Week, his absence leaves a profound void in the fashion world, one that can never truly be filled.
See more in our gallery below:
Italian designer Giorgio Armani acknowledges the applause with Latvian model Agnes Zogla. Pic: Getty Images
Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani acknowledges applause following the presentation of fashion house Armani’s women’s and men’s spring/summer 2020 collection in Milan. Pic: Getty Images
Fashion designer Giorgio Armani walks the runway during the Giorgio Armani Prive Couture Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2021/2022 show as part of Paris Fashion Week. Pic: Getty Images
Fashion designer Giorgio Armani walks the runway during the Giorgio Armani Prive Couture Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2021/2022 show. Pic: Getty Images
Fashion designer Giorgio Armani walks the runway during the Giorgio Armani Privé Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2024-2025. Pic: WireImage
Italian designer Giorgio Armani acknowledges the applause at the end of his presentation for Armani Prive during the Women’s Haute-Couture Spring/Summer 2025 Fashion Week to mark its 20th anniversary, in Paris. Pic: Getty Images
Giorgio Armani walks the runway during the Giorgio Armani Prive Spring 2019 show as part of Paris Fashion Week. Pic: Getty Images
Italian designer Giorgio Armani at home. Pic: Getty Images
