Iconic Fashion Designer Giorgio Armani Dies at 91

Milan, Italy – Renowned Italian fashion designer and billionaire Giorgio Armani has passed away at the age of 91. The Armani Group confirmed the news on Thursday, September 4, 2025, stating that the founder and "tireless driving force" of the global fashion empire died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

Armani, often referred to as "Re Giorgio" (King Giorgio), was celebrated for his revolutionary approach to modern Italian style and elegance. His death marks the end of an era for the fashion world, leaving behind a legacy that transformed how men and women dressed, particularly through his signature unstructured suits.

The designer's health had been a subject of concern after he missed Milan Men's Fashion Week in June 2025, the first time in his career he had been absent from his own runway event. The company had stated he was "recovering at home" at the time.

Giorgio Armani founded his eponymous label in 1975, building it into an empire that expanded far beyond clothing to include beauty, fragrance, music, sport, and luxury hotels, generating billions in annual turnover. His company remained one of the few major Italian fashion houses of his generation to stay independent of large conglomerates, with Armani retaining sole ownership and control until his death.

Tributes have poured in from across the globe, with figures like Donatella Versace stating, "The world lost a giant today, he made history and will be remembered forever." Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised Armani as "a man of elegance, sobriety and creativity" who brought "lustre to Italian fashion and inspire[d] the entire world." Armani's influence extended to Hollywood, where he famously dressed Richard Gere in "American Gigolo" and pioneered red-carpet fashion.

His funeral chamber is scheduled to be opened in Milan on September 6 and 7, with a private service to follow. The Armani Group affirmed its commitment to protecting and carrying forward the company in his memory, upholding the vision, passion, and dedication he instilled.