On the evening of 4 September 2025, news broke of the passing of Giorgio Armani at the age of 91. Widely regarded as one of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th century, he is often credited with shaping the very language of red carpet fashion as we have come to know it today.
Founded in 1975 by Giorgio Armani and Sergio Galeotti, the Armani Group quickly established itself as a global force in fashion. The following years saw the launch of Emporio Armani, Armani Jeans, Armani Junior and fragrances, alongside the first boutiques in Milan. By the 1990s, Armani Exchange had expanded into New York, while Armani eyewear, watches and accessories further diversified the brand. At the time of his death, his empire was valued at over USD 12.1 (approximately GBP 7.44 billion), spanning far beyond clothing into home furnishings, fragrances, publishing, floristry and even bars, clubs and restaurants.
From Hollywood premieres to the silver screen, Armani dressed stars for more than 200 films — most notably Richard Gere in the 1980 movie American Gigolo, which cemented his global reputation as the master of the “power suit” alongside dressing Diane Keaton for her Oscar win in 1978’s Annie Hall. Armani also became a cultural figure, gracing the cover of Time magazine in 1982 and dressing Oscar winners such as Jodie Foster in 1992.
From the 2000s onward, Armani’s vision extended far beyond fashion. He pioneered lifestyle ventures with Armani/Casa, Armani Hotels in Dubai and Milan, Armani/Nobu restaurants and Armani/Privé clubs. Exhibitions at the Guggenheim and Milan’s Triennale highlighted his influence on design and cinema, while global “One Night Only” events showcased the House’s international reach. Armani consistently used his platform for philanthropy and sustainability — launching the Acqua for Life initiative, supporting National Trust of Italy’s heritage restorations and joining the Fashion Pact. In recent years, he celebrated his 40th career anniversary with the opening of Armani/Silos, founded the Giorgio Armani Foundation, committed to fur-free collections and launched projects in regenerative cotton and circular fashion.
In a statement, the Armani Group reflected with a heartwarming message stating: “Giorgio Armani is a company with fifty years of history, built with emotion and patience. Giorgio Armani always made independence — of thought and action — his hallmark. The company is, now and always, a reflection of this spirit.”
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Armani remained the sole owner and guiding force of his brand. Though he missed Milan Fashion Week in June 2025 due to illness — marking the first time in 50 years he skipped one — he was planning a grand celebration for the house’s 50th anniversary. In his final public interview, released just days before his passing, Armani reflected on his life and noted that he had carefully prepared a succession plan — with leadership expected to transition to trusted family members and longtime collaborators.
The Armani Group expressed the loss with heartfelt words, noting that the company had always been run like a family. They described the deep void left by its founder, who built the house with vision, passion and dedication. Yet, in his spirit, both employees and family members vowed to honour his legacy — protecting what he created and carrying the company forward with responsibility and love. As tributes pour in from across the fashion world and beyond, the late Giorgio Armani will be remembered for his legacy as a visionary who built one of the most enduring empires in fashion history.
Armani’s contributions earned him global recognition and numerous honours, including the Grand Officer of the Italian Republic, the French Légion d’Honneur, the Knight of the Grand Cross and the Visionary Award from CNMI in 2022. Even in his final years, his legacy continued to be celebrated, from the limited-edition coins issued in his honour to the 2023 exhibition Aldo Fallai per Giorgio Armani, marking decades of creative collaboration.
Giorgio Armani’s funeral chamber will be set up from Saturday, 6 September 6 to Sunday, 7 September and will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., in Milan, at Via Bergognone 59, inside the Armani/Teatro. In accordance with Mr. Armani’s explicit wishes, the funeral will be held privately.
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