— Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer who built the private Armani Group and reshaped modern tailoring, has died aged 91, his company announced. He had missed the brand’s recent shows due to illness and had been expected to participate in 50th anniversary events in Milan later this month.
Key Takeaways
- Giorgio Armani, founder and sole shareholder of Giorgio Armani SpA, has died at 91.
- The Armani Group described him as its creator and tireless driving force.
- He pioneered soft, fluid tailoring from his 1975 launch and earned the informal title King of the Blazer.
- International fame accelerated after Richard Gere wore Armani in the 1980 film American Gigolo.
- Armani maintained independence from major fashion conglomerates and grew a diversified luxury business.
- He planned a gradual, internal succession involving Leo Dell’Orco, family members and long-serving staff.
- Armani-branded sales were reported at about £3.5bn in 2021, spanning clothing, interiors and hospitality.
Verified Facts
Born in Piacenza in 1934, Armani initially studied medicine and left university before serving in the army. He moved into retail and menswear, working as a window dresser and sales assistant at La Rinascente, then as a designer for Nino Cerruti, before launching his own label in 1975 at age 41.
Armani’s early collections introduced a relaxed approach to suiting, replacing stiff, structured jackets with longer, softer silhouettes and muted palettes of greys and beiges. That aesthetic influenced both menswear and womenswear and anticipated what is now called quiet luxury.
The brand’s profile rose sharply after costume work on the 1980 film American Gigolo, worn by Richard Gere, and through repeated red carpet appearances by stars such as Diane Keaton, Julia Roberts and Jodie Foster. Armani also expanded into multiple lines including Emporio Armani, Armani Privé and Armani Casa, plus hospitality and lifestyle ventures.
He remained the founder and sole shareholder of Giorgio Armani SpA and resisted offers to join the large luxury conglomerates, calling independence an essential value. Employees and family members said they would protect and continue his work in his memory.
Context & Impact
Armani’s design philosophy altered how business and evening wear were conceived in the late 20th century, moving tailoring toward comfort and understated elegance. That shift had ripple effects across ready-to-wear collections and luxury positioning globally.
His model of maintaining private ownership while diversifying into hotels, cosmetics and interiors offered an alternative to the consolidation trend in the luxury sector. That business structure preserved creative control and helped the brand weather changing market cycles.
- Fashion: Reinforced subdued, well-tailored basics as aspirational.
- Business: Demonstrated viability of a privately held global luxury house.
- Culture: Helped establish the modern star-designer relationship with Hollywood.
Official Statements
With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder and tireless driving force Giorgio Armani. In this company we have always felt like part of a family, and we commit to protecting what he built and carrying the company forward in his memory with respect and love.
Armani Group statement
Unconfirmed
- Official cause of death has not been disclosed by the family or company as of the announcement.
- Specific attendance plans for the brand’s 50th anniversary events were reported as expected but may have changed in recent weeks.
Bottom Line
Giorgio Armani leaves a lasting imprint on contemporary fashion through a signature approach to tailoring, a commitment to brand independence and a broad luxury portfolio. The Armani Group has signalled continuity under internal leaders and family members, and the industry is paying immediate tribute to a designer who helped define late 20th and early 21st century style.