Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer who built a global empire and shaped modern fashion, has died at the age of 91.
His company confirmed his death on Thursday but did not specify a cause. Armani had missed several shows earlier this year on doctors’ orders. “Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days,” the Armani Group said.
Armani’s legacy extended far beyond the runway. He pioneered red-carpet fashion, dressing Hollywood stars from Julia Roberts to Russell Crowe, and expanded his brand into hotels, homeware, and a wide range of more accessible lines under Emporio Armani. He was among the first major designers to ban fur, setting a precedent that rippled through the industry.
Often called Il Signor Armani by his staff, he was known for maintaining strict creative control over his empire, even into his later years. Last week, he told the Financial Times he was preparing for a “gradual transition” of leadership to his family and longtime collaborators, particularly Leo Dell’Orco, head of men’s design.
Tributes poured in from across the fashion world and beyond. Donatella Versace said, “The world lost a giant today. He made history and will be remembered forever.” Bernard Arnault of LVMH praised him for giving “Italian elegance a global reach and scale.”
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called Armani “a symbol of Italy at its best,” while animal rights group PETA remembered his decision to end the use of fur in his designs.
Armani’s death comes just weeks before Milan Fashion Week, where his company was set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his label.
On the official Giorgio Armani Instagram page, a post carried his own words: “The mark I hope to leave is one of commitment, respect, and genuine care for people and for reality. That’s where everything truly begins.” AFP
