Fashion designer Giorgio Armani has died aged 91

Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani, a style icon, has passed away at the age of 91, surrounded by his loved ones, his company announced on Thursday. “It is with immense sadness that the Armani group announces the death of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani.”

“In this company, we have always felt like a family. Today, it is with deep emotion that we feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion, and dedication,” the group continued. “But it is precisely in his spirit that we (...) commit to protecting what he built and to advancing his company in his memory, with respect, responsibility, and love,” it added.

Giorgio Armani founded his fashion house in Milan in 1975. He had always wanted to remain independent, refusing to be publicly listed. Weakened over several months, Armani had to give up his men’s shows in Milan in mid-June for health reasons. He also skipped the Armani Privé show in Paris in July.

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“With Giorgio Armani, an iconic figure of Italian culture disappears, one who transformed elegance into a universal language. His sober and innovative style redefined the relationship between fashion, cinema, and society, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary customs,” reacted Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli.

“He was not only a master of fashion but also a recognized ambassador of Italian identity worldwide,” he added.

'The Best of Italy'

“With Giorgio Armani, an iconic figure of Italian culture disappears — one who transformed elegance into a universal language. His sober and innovative style redefined the relationship between fashion, cinema, and society, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary customs,” reacted Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli.

“He was not only a master of fashion but also a recognized ambassador of Italian identity worldwide,” he added.

“With his elegance, sobriety, and creativity, he showcased Italian fashion and inspired the entire world. An icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best of Italy. Thank you for everything,” responded Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on X.

Many other leading figures, especially from the worlds of fashion and cinema, paid tribute to his memory. Donatella Versace, ambassador of the fashion group of the same name, lamented on Instagram the loss of a “giant” who “made history.”

“My heart is broken. I am overwhelmed by immense pain. Meeting Giorgio was a crucial moment in my life. It marked my transition to a new life, that of an autonomous and free woman. Beyond his talent, Giorgio was a man of immense intelligence, humanity, and elegance,” actress Claudia Cardinale said.

American actor Russell Crowe shared on X a story about losing his suitcase while heading to the Cannes Film Festival in 1997, adding that he visited an Armani store that day, which marked “the beginning of a love story that still lasts with Armani suits.”

Another Hollywood star, Julia Roberts, paid tribute on Instagram to “a true friend, a legend.”