Italian designer Giorgio Armani dies at 91
Italian designer Giorgio Armani has died at his home in Milan at the age of 91, his fashion house confirmed on Thursday. He remained active in his company until recently, though he had missed Milan Men’s Fashion Week in June due to health issues.
Born in Piacenza in 1934, Armani studied medicine before turning to fashion. He began his career as a window dresser at La Rinascente and later designed menswear for Nino Cerruti. In 1975, with partner Sergio Galeotti, he founded his own label, Giorgio Armani.
Armani gained international recognition in the 1980s for his relaxed, unstructured suits, which softened traditional tailoring and helped define “power dressing” for both men and women. His designs became a staple on red carpets and featured prominently in film and television, including American Gigolo and Miami Vice.
Over five decades, Armani expanded his brand into haute couture, ready-to-wear, accessories, fragrances, home interiors and hotels. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he kept full control of the business, which today is valued in the billions of euros.
Armani’s influence extended into Belgian fashion and society. In July 2024, Queen Mathilde of Belgium was photographed wearing a Giorgio Armani Privé outfit, underscoring the brand’s association with Belgian high society.
Fashion Club 70, Armani’s distribution partner in the Benelux, has represented the label for decades. Its owner, Luc Dheedene, began focusing on Italian brands like Armani in the 1980s, helping to establish the designer’s foothold in Belgium’s luxury market.
Armani himself also acknowledged Belgian design talent. In an interview with GQ in 2021, he praised Antwerp designer Dries Van Noten, saying: “He has a very elegant mind.”
Often referred to in Italy as Re Giorgio (King Giorgio), Armani is credited with reshaping international fashion through his minimalist aesthetic and focus on elegance. He remained CEO and creative director of his company until his death.
His funeral will be held privately, in accordance with his wishes, according to Italian news agency Ansa. He will lie in state at the Teatro Armani in Milan on Saturday and Sunday, allowing those who wish to do so to pay their respects.
Giorgio Armani during the launch of Giorgio Armani: A Retrospective at the Royal Academy of Arts in London in 2003 © PHOTO PRESS ASSOCIATION
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