Italian fashion legend Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91, leaving behind a $10-billion empire and a timeless legacy that transformed global style.
The founder of the Armani fashion house passed away peacefully at his home in Milan on September 4, 2025, after a brief illness. Known for his unstructured tailoring, minimalist elegance, and Hollywood red-carpet looks, Armani was one of the most influential designers of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Armani’s Last Days and Official Tribute
The Armani Group confirmed his passing in an emotional statement, calling him the “tireless driving force” of the company. Employees and collaborators fondly referred to him as “Mr. Armani.” The note revealed that he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to collections, new projects, and the brand he built from scratch.
The company also announced that a public memorial chamber will be open in Milan on September 6 and 7, 2025, at Via Bergognone 59, near the Armani/Teatro. However, respecting Armani’s personal wishes, the funeral will be a private ceremony.
A Fashion Pioneer Who Redefined Elegance
Born in 1934 in Piacenza, Lombardy, Armani began his career as a window dresser before co-founding his label in 1975 with partner Sergio Galeotti. His breakthrough came with unstructured, lining-free jackets that offered a relaxed alternative to stiff tailoring. This minimalist yet powerful style quickly became known as the Armani signature.
Hollywood helped propel his fame. Richard Gere’s Armani suits in American Gigolo (1980) cemented his reputation, and soon celebrities from Diane Keaton and Sophia Loren to Lady Gaga and George Clooney were regulars in his designs. Armani’s influence stretched far beyond clothes — he built lines in sportswear, fragrances, furniture, hotels, and restaurants.
The $10-Billion Armani Empire
Over five decades, Armani created one of the last great independent fashion houses, refusing to sell to conglomerates like LVMH or Kering. Today, the Armani Group is valued at more than $10 billion and employs nearly 9,000 people worldwide.
The brand includes Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, Armani Privé, Armani/Casa, and EA7. From red-carpet gowns to luxury hotels in Dubai and Milan, Armani extended his vision into every corner of lifestyle and design. Forbes recently estimated his personal net worth at around $12 billion, making him one of the wealthiest designers in history.
Who Will Inherit the Armani Legacy?
Armani never married and had no children. Succession has long been a question in the fashion world. His closest relatives and trusted collaborators are expected to carry his vision forward.
- Silvana Armani, his niece, oversees womenswear.
- Roberta Armani, another niece, handles celebrity and VIP relations.
- Pantaleo “Leo” Dell’Orco, head of menswear since the 1980s, has been groomed as a creative heir.
In 2016, Armani also created the Giorgio Armani Foundation, designed to safeguard the company’s independence, invest in social causes, and prevent outside takeovers.
Lasting Legacy on Fashion and Culture
Giorgio Armani’s work changed the way the world dressed. His designs combined comfort with luxury, introducing the concept of “power dressing” in the 1980s and making elegance accessible without excess.
He was also deeply committed to Milan, his adopted home, and invested in cultural, sporting, and charitable initiatives. His philanthropy included refugee support, AIDS research, and local community projects.
Always understated, Armani himself was often seen in his trademark navy crewneck sweater, tailored trousers, and white sneakers. To colleagues and fans alike, he was not just a designer but a symbol of timeless sophistication.
