MILAN — Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian designer whose understated elegance reshaped modern fashion and brought Hollywood glamour into everyday wardrobes, has died at the age of 91, his company confirmed Thursday.
Armani, born in Piacenza in 1934, founded his namesake label in 1975 and went on to build one of the world's most powerful fashion empires. Known for his clean lines and muted palette, he popularized the unstructured suit, replacing stiff tailoring with softer silhouettes that became a symbol of effortless sophistication.
His breakthrough came in 1980 when he dressed Richard Gere in the film American Gigolo, a collaboration that catapulted his designs into the global spotlight and established him as a favorite among Hollywood's elite. Armani went on to dress countless celebrities for the Oscars and other red carpet events, helping transform celebrity fashion into a global spectacle.
Over nearly five decades, Armani expanded his brand far beyond high fashion, creating diffusion lines such as Emporio Armani and Armani Exchange, as well as ventures in fragrance, home décor, hospitality and sports. His company, which remained entirely independent under his ownership, reported revenues of more than €2.3 billion in 2024.
Armani's influence stretched beyond the runway. He served as a United Nations goodwill ambassador, championed humanitarian causes, and received honors including France's Legion of Honour and Italy's Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit. He was also the first designer to broadcast a haute couture show online in 2007, signaling his ability to innovate across eras.
Fashion insiders often credited Armani with shaping the concept of "quiet luxury," a minimalist yet powerful style that defined both boardrooms and red carpets. "He changed the way the world dressed," the Financial Times wrote in its tribute.
Armani is survived by his extended family and the foundation he established to ensure the independence of his fashion house. Tributes from across the fashion industry and beyond poured in Thursday, honoring a visionary whose legacy will endure as long as style itself.
Timeline: Giorgio Armani's Career Milestones
- 1934 — Born in Piacenza, Italy.
- 1975 — Launches Giorgio Armani S.p.A. with partner Sergio Galeotti.
- 1980 — Dresses Richard Gere in American Gigolo, gaining international fame.
- 1981 — Introduces Emporio Armani line.
- 1988 — Expands into fragrances and cosmetics.
- 1991 — Launches Armani Exchange for younger, global audiences.
- 2000s — Expands into hotels, home décor and sports sponsorships.
- 2007 — First designer to broadcast a haute couture show online.
- 2013 — Honored with "Giorgio Armani Day" in New York City.
- 2019 — Wins Outstanding Achievement Award at the Fashion Awards in London.
- 2024 — Company reports €2.3 billion in annual revenue.
- 2025 — Dies in Milan at age 91.
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