— Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer who founded the Armani Group and helped define modern menswear and women’s suiting, has died at 91, his company announced Thursday; the firm said he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
Key Takeaways
- Giorgio Armani, founder of the Armani Group, died at age 91, announced Sept. 4, 2025.
- He established his label in 1975 and rose to global prominence with the 1980 film American Gigolo.
- His first high-profile red-carpet design was worn by Diane Keaton at the 1978 Academy Awards.
- Armani expanded into cosmetics, fragrances, home goods and accessories; Forbes estimated his net worth at $12.1 billion (No. 235).
- He had been unwell and missed Milan Men’s Fashion Week in June; his last public appearance was May 21.
- The funeral will be private per his wishes; a public wake is scheduled at Teatro Armani on the coming Saturday and Sunday.
- Political leaders, editors and peers paid tribute to his influence on Italian design and global fashion.
Verified Facts
Armani launched his namesake company in 1975 and became known for a clean, minimal aesthetic that favored soft tailoring and wearable luxury. The label’s breakout cultural moment arrived in 1980 when it designed the suits Richard Gere wore in the film American Gigolo, bringing Armani’s look to international attention.
He dressed stars across decades; his first notable red-carpet ensemble was a skirt-and-blazer worn by Diane Keaton at the 1978 Academy Awards. That look helped cement Armani’s role in reshaping women’s professional attire during the late 1970s and 1980s.
Beyond clothing, the Armani business diversified into fragrances, cosmetics, eyewear, shoes and homeware, building a broad luxury group. Forbes listed his personal fortune at $12.1 billion and ranked him No. 235 on its billionaire list.
Company communications said Armani had been unwell for some time. He missed Milan Men’s Fashion Week in June — the first time in his career he skipped a catwalk event — and his last recorded public appearance took place on May 21.
The fashion house stated the funeral will remain private in keeping with Armani’s wishes. A wake will be held at the company’s Milan headquarters and showspace, Teatro Armani, and will be open to the public on the approaching Saturday and Sunday.
Context & Impact
Armani’s approach to tailoring—lightly structured jackets, attention to fabric drape and an emphasis on silhouette—helped shift both men’s and women’s fashion toward a less formal, more confident modern elegance. His designs influenced ready-to-wear production and helped place Italian fashion at the center of international style.
His refusal to be limited to a single category—moving into film costuming, interior design and a wide lifestyle offer—set a template for global luxury brands that followed. Economically, Armani contributed to Milan’s status as a fashion capital and to the broader Italian luxury sector.
Tributes came from political leaders and peers. Italy’s prime minister praised his creativity and contribution to Italy’s reputation; other industry figures highlighted his eye for power dressing and cross-disciplinary interests in art, film and architecture.
Official Statements
“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder and tireless driving force,” the fashion house said, adding he died peacefully surrounded by family and close friends.
Armani Group
Italy’s prime minister paid tribute to Armani’s elegance and creativity, calling him a symbol of the best of Italy.
Prime Minister of Italy
Anna Wintour noted his distinctive vision and his influence on how women and men present themselves through clothing.
Anna Wintour
Explainer
Unconfirmed
- No official cause of death has been released by the family or Armani Group as of the company announcement.
- Specific details about his recent illness and treatment have not been disclosed publicly.
Bottom Line
Giorgio Armani’s death marks the end of a pivotal career that reshaped modern fashion. His mix of craftsmanship, tasteful minimalism and business expansion left a durable imprint on how clothing, luxury and lifestyle intersect globally. The wake at Teatro Armani will offer the public a chance to pay respects; further private funeral arrangements will follow the family’s wishes.