Renowned Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91, his company announced on Thursday.
In a statement, the Armani Group said the founder of the globally celebrated fashion house passed away peacefully “surrounded by his loved ones”. It described him as the “tireless driving force” of the brand, noting that he continued working on collections and projects until his final days.
Armani, who launched his label in Milan in 1975, rose to international fame for revolutionising red-carpet fashion, creating timeless tailored suits, and expanding into luxury hotels and the Emporio Armani line. His influence extended across fashion, cinema, and lifestyle, earning him recognition as one of the most important designers of modern times.
The company said his funeral would be private, though a public chamber of farewell will be open in Milan over the weekend. Armani had cancelled recent shows due to health reasons but remained closely involved in overseeing his brand’s operations.
Tributes have poured in, with Italy’s Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli calling him “a leading figure in Italian culture” who transformed elegance into a universal language. “He was not only a master of fashion but also an ambassador of Italian identity around the world,” Giuli said.
Armani’s death comes just weeks before celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of his fashion house.
