- September 8, 2025
The legendary Giorgio Armani, one of the most influential figures in fashion history, has passed away today Thursday, September 4, at the age of 91.
The news, confirmed by Armani Group, marks the end of an era that shaped not only global fashion but also the way we understand elegance and personal image. According to the company, “Mr. Armani passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones,” working until his very last days.
Just a few days ago, Armani appeared on the cover of the Financial Times’ HTSI supplement, photographed in the garden of his Milan home with a book in hand and wearing one of his signature navy T-shirts. Though absent from his most recent shows due to health reasons, he admitted with a smile: “Everything was done under my supervision, by videoconference. My weakness is that I control everything.”
A Life Devoted to Style
Born in Piacenza in 1934, Armani launched his own label in 1975, inspired by Hollywood icons like Cary Grant. His softly tailored jackets soon became the hallmark of the 1980s, dressing a generation defined by ambition and success. Armani’s sleek designs also conquered Hollywood itself: Richard Gere in American Gigolo and George Clooney on countless red carpets became enduring symbols of his understated sophistication.
For over five decades, Armani’s shows were about more than clothing; they represented a complete aesthetic. Hairstyles in his collections consistently embodied timeless, serene elegance, tied to his vision of fashion as an echo of the body rather than a shout. Each look, whether simple or audacious, told a carefully considered story. His influence extended into the worlds of hairdressing and beauty, teaching generations that true refinement lies in restraint.
A Business Visionary
Armani also reshaped the business of fashion. Among the first to master licensing, he expanded his brand from ready-to-wear into perfumes, furniture, hotels, restaurants, and more, creating one of the most successful independent fashion houses in Italy. In 2024, the Armani Group reported revenues surpassing €2.3 billion, proof of the balance he achieved between creativity and commerce.
For fashion shows and fashion imagery, Giorgio Armani collaborated with some of the greatest photographers and hairdressers. His most important professional partnership was with Aldo Coppola; they had worked together and shared mutual respect, embracing values such as beauty, the importance of work, and professionalism.
As a founding father of Made in Italy, Armani will be remembered as a tireless worker and incorruptible aesthete who gave the world a new vocabulary of elegance. His legacy—timeless, disciplined, and profoundly human—will continue to inspire fashion, beauty, and personal style for generations to come.