The death of Giorgio Armani closes one of the most defining chapters in the history of fashion. At 91, Armani leaves behind not only a legacy of impeccable design but also a cultural and business empire that elevated Italian style to a global benchmark. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from designers, celebrities, politicians, and admirers who regard him as a pioneer whose vision changed how the world understands elegance.
Born in 1934 in Piacenza, Italy, Armani came to fashion after an early career in medicine and a formative stint as a window dresser and buyer at Milan’s La Rinascente department store. His partnership with Sergio Galeotti in 1975 gave birth to the Giorgio Armani label, which within a decade redefined modern tailoring. The designer’s minimalist but sharply structured silhouettes became a revolution in men’s and women’s wardrobes, stripping away excess while enhancing confidence and allure. Hollywood soon embraced him, and Armani’s suits in films such as American Gigolo not only cemented his brand in cinema but also turned Richard Gere into a global style icon.
Armani’s creations were not merely clothing but statements of authority and sophistication. Stars including Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett, Tom Cruise, and Zendaya wore his designs both on-screen and on the red carpet. He designed costumes for Lady Gaga’s tours, shaped the looks of Russell Crowe in Gladiator and Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street, and influenced countless generations of designers who followed.
Tributes underscore his dual impact as both an artist and an entrepreneur. Donatella Versace called him a history-maker who “will be remembered forever.” Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised him as a symbol of Italian excellence, while actor Russell Crowe described him as a man whose mark was recognized around the globe. Julia Roberts, recalling decades of collaboration, remembered him as both a “friend and a legend.”
Remarkably, Armani remained deeply engaged with his work until his final days. Earlier this year, despite concerns over his health after he missed Milan Fashion Week, he continued to direct his collections remotely. His March 2025 Paris show carried a message of unity and hope, reflecting his belief that fashion could inspire harmony even in turbulent times. The Armani Group confirmed that he “worked until his final days, dedicating himself tirelessly to the company, the collections, and the future projects still underway.”
Unlike many peers who folded their houses into global luxury conglomerates, Armani insisted on independence. His company remained privately owned, giving him the freedom to steer his brand with continuity and consistency. Paul Smith, among others, lauded this as a rare achievement that set Armani apart as a businessman as much as a designer.
His influence was not confined to the runway. Armani was a passionate supporter of sport, sponsoring Inter Milan, owning Olimpia Milano basketball team, and partnering with Ferrari’s Formula 1 team. Charles Leclerc described working with him as “a great honour.” The designer’s accolades included the French Legion of Honour and Italy’s Order of Merit for Labour, honours befitting a man who placed Italian craftsmanship at the heart of global culture.
Though occasionally touched by controversy, including a tax settlement in 2014 and comments about identity that drew criticism, Armani’s reputation endures as that of a visionary. He was also a humanitarian voice within fashion, being the first designer to ban underweight models in 2006 following the death of Ana Carolina Reston, an act seen as trailblazing for health and responsibility in the industry.
More than half a century after he began, Armani’s name has become a universal shorthand for elegance. Vogue’s Laura Ingham noted that even those with no knowledge of fashion still recognize Armani as a symbol of beauty and refinement. As the tributes continue, it is clear that his influence will not fade with his passing.
His work reshaped wardrobes, empowered women and men alike, and turned Italian tailoring into a global language of sophistication. Armani’s designs were never about excess but about the perfection of form, cut, and restraint. That vision, distilled over decades, ensures that while the man is gone, the Armani legacy will remain stitched into the fabric of fashion’s future.
