ROME (Reuters) -Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani has died, the company said on Thursday.
Armani, who was 91, was synonymous with modern Italian style and elegance. He combined the flair of the designer with the acumen of a businessman, running a company that turned over some 2.3 billion euros ($2.7 billion) a year.
(Reporting by Giulia SegretiEditing by Keith Weir)
Giorgio Armani: A Comprehensive Biography
Early Life & Career Beginnings
Giorgio Armani was born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, Italy. He first studied medicine at the University of Milan but left after three years to serve in the army. After his service, Armani discovered his true passion in fashion. He began his career as a window dresser at La Rinascente department store before moving into design at Nino Cerruti in the early 1960s.
Founding the Armani Empire
In 1975, alongside his partner Sergio Galeotti, Armani launched Giorgio Armani S.p.A., starting with a men’s ready-to-wear line before expanding into women’s fashion the following year.
Revolutionary Style Innovations
Armani revolutionized tailoring with the introduction of the “unstructured suit,” stripping away stiff linings and heavy padding to create a relaxed, elegant silhouette. This redefined menswear and extended into women’s fashion, where Armani helped popularize the concept of the “power suit,” blending masculine structure with feminine elegance.
Cultural Moments That Defined a Career
His designs reached international fame when Richard Gere wore Armani in the 1980 film American Gigolo. Soon after, Armani became synonymous with sleek, modern style on screen and on television shows like Miami Vice. Armani also transformed red-carpet fashion, dressing A-list celebrities in elegant gowns that became staples of award shows and premieres.
Expansion into a Global Lifestyle Brand
Armani expanded far beyond clothing, building an empire that included eyewear, fragrances like Acqua di Gio, home décor, accessories, cosmetics, books, and luxury hotels and restaurants. In 2005, he launched Armani Privé, his haute couture line, and partnered with global developers to open Armani Hotels, including one inside Dubai’s Burj Khalifa.
Influence & Legacy
Unlike many designers, Armani retained full ownership and creative control of his company, making him unique in the fashion world. His influence was recognized with numerous awards and honors, including lifetime achievement prizes and even a retrospective exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum in New York—the first ever dedicated to a living designer.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
Armani was known not only for his fashion empire but also for his philanthropy. He served as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for refugees, supported cinema through collaborations with Martin Scorsese, and was an advocate for sustainable fashion. He banned underweight models from his runway shows and embraced eco-conscious initiatives in the industry.
His Passing & Enduring Impact
Giorgio Armani passed away peacefully in Milan at the age of 91. In recent years, he had faced declining health and even missed Milan’s Men’s Fashion Week for the first time in his long career. A public memorial will be held in Milan, followed by a private funeral.
Often called “Re Giorgio” (King Giorgio), Armani’s influence on fashion was immeasurable. He redefined elegance by blending luxury with comfort, pioneered the modern power suit, and elevated red-carpet fashion into a cultural institution. Beyond clothing, he transformed his brand into a complete lifestyle, influencing how people dress, live, and even travel.
His legacy is that of a visionary who made sophistication timeless and effortless—forever shaping the global fashion landscape.
