Giorgio Armani: A Legacy Remembered

Giorgio Armani, Italy’s most celebrated fashion designer and powerhouse entrepreneur, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025, at the age of 91. The Armani Group announced his death with a heartfelt statement: “With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani.” He had been in declining health and had missed his first-ever Milan Men's Fashion Week show this past June, marking a poignant moment in his long career.

A quiet innovator and perfectionist, Armani, often affectionately called "Re Giorgio" (King Giorgio), shaped modern luxury with his minimalist yet elegant aesthetic. Under his leadership, the company thrived, generating approximately €2.3 billion in annual revenue ($2.7 billion). His influence spanned runway fashion, red-carpet glamour, and global markets, rooted in sartorial refinement and business acumen.

Armani’s legacy traced back to his humble beginnings in Piacenza and early career as a window dresser at La Rinascente. He co-founded his label in 1975 with partner Sergio Galeotti and went on to revolutionize menswear, womenswear, and red-carpet fashion, dressing icons from Diane Keaton and Michelle Pfeiffer to launching Emporio Armani, Armani Jeans, and the couture line Armani Privé.

A funeral chamber will be opened in Milan this weekend, September 6–7, giving the public an opportunity to pay respects, followed by a private funeral at a later date.

In Memoriam: Giorgio Armani’s influence was not fleeting. He forged a legacy of restraint, craftsmanship, and modern elegance that defined late 20th- and early 21st-century fashion. His commitment to timeless design and unwavering quality reshaped both red carpets and wardrobes worldwide.