Italian fashion icon Giorgio Armani, who transformed the fashion industry with his signature style of relaxed elegance, has died. He was 91.
His fashion house confirmed his passing, stating he died at home in Milan. The cause of death was attributed to an age-related illness. The designer had missed Milan Fashion Week in June 2025—his first time—to recover from an undisclosed condition.
Known for his penetrating blue eyes and trademark muted palette, Armani built a global empire valued at over $10 billion, encompassing clothing, cosmetics, hotels, and even a basketball team. His career began in 1975 when he and his late partner, Sergio Galeotti, sold their Volkswagen to fund their first ready-to-wear collection.
Armani’s innovative approach, which introduced the unlined, deconstructed jacket, revolutionized menswear in the late 1970s. His designs became synonymous with success and were famously featured on Hollywood screens, dressing celebrities from the red carpet to the executive boardroom.
Often called “Re Giorgio” (King George) in Italy, Armani was known for his fierce independence, maintaining full ownership of his company and resisting any mergers or sales throughout his career.
He had been planning a major event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his fashion house this month during Milan Fashion Week. His death marks the end of an era for a designer who championed practicality and timeless style, famously stating, “I design for real people. There is no virtue whatsoever in creating clothes and accessories that are not practical.”
