Designer Giorgio Armani, who helped establish Italy as a global fashion powerhouse and dressed countless Hollywood celebrities, has died at the age of 91, his company announced Thursday. Known as “Re Giorgio” (King Giorgio), Armani combined exceptional design talent with sharp business acumen to build a fashion empire generating €2.3 billion annually.
A Legacy of Minimalist Elegance
Armani’s minimalist aesthetic, particularly his revolutionary jacket designs, achieved instant success in the United States during the late 1970s and 1980s. His style provided professional women with the perfect balance of elegance and strength in a male-dominated business world, creating devoted clients who remained loyal for decades.
Company Commits to Continuing Vision
The designer had been unwell recently, missing Milan’s Men’s Fashion Week in June for the first time. The Armani Group, which remained proudly independent for 50 years, pledged to “protect what he built” and continue his legacy. A funeral chamber will open Saturday in Milan, with a private funeral scheduled for Monday.