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The fashion world mourns the loss of Giorgio Armani, who passed away on September 4, 2025, at age 91 in his Milan home. The legendary Italian fashion designer, who transformed contemporary fashion and Hollywood red carpet dressing, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones, as confirmed by the Armani Group on Thursday.
Giorgio Armani brought refinement to the power suit, transforming contemporary fashion with what designer Paul Smith called "completely radical" innovations. His clothes rarely shouted; instead, they whispered authority, giving Hollywood its sleek glamour and corporate executives their uniform.
Before conquering the fashion world, Armani studied medicine and worked as a window dresser at La Rinascente department store. He founded his luxury fashion house in 1975 in Milan with partner Sergio Galeotti, just months before what would have been their 50th anniversary celebrations during Milan Fashion Week.
Armani's Hollywood breakthrough came in 1980 when Richard Gere wore his suits in "American Gigolo," transforming Armani designs into status symbols and introducing the designer to global audiences.
Armani revolutionized celebrity dressing by being the first designer to actively approach celebrities and ask to dress them for events, hiring former society journalist Wanda McDaniel in the late '80s to build relationships with stars. He recognized the promotional power of awards shows and courted celebrities to wear his designs, fundamentally changing how Hollywood dressed for major events.
Versace paid tribute, stating: "The world has lost a giant today. Giorgio Armani changed history with fashion. He defined style all over the world for generations and was a true genius and a master of class and elegance".
Hollywood A-listers including Leonardo DiCaprio, Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, and Reese Witherspoon paid heartfelt tributes to the iconic designer. Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor shared photos with Armani, writing "Thank you, Mr Armani, you will be missed".
Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern fashion, Armani established his fashion house in 1975, which later diversified into music, sport, and luxury hotels. By 2001, he had achieved widespread acclaim as the most successful designer of Italian origin.
Armani's influence was cemented when he appeared on Time Magazine's cover in 1982 and received the Murano Glass Golden Lion from Venice's mayor in 2023 for his artistic achievements.
With no heirs, Armani's death leaves uncertainty about the future of his $12 billion empire. At the time of his death, Armani remained the CEO of his company, having maintained control over his brand for five decades.
Armani's minimalist aesthetic became synonymous with understated luxury, influencing not just fashion but business culture worldwide. His designs gave women "a new kind of power without compromise," reshaping professional attire for generations.
For more insights into fashion industry legends and their impact, Armani's legacy represents the pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship meeting global appeal.
His impact extends beyond clothing to define an era of sophistication in international fashion trends, setting standards that continue to influence designers worldwide.
Giorgio Armani's passing marks the end of an era in fashion history. His vision transformed not just how we dress, but how we perceive elegance, power, and style. From Milan's ateliers to Hollywood's red carpets, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of designers and fashion enthusiasts.
The king of Italian fashion may be gone, but his empire of elegance will forever remain a testament to the transformative power of great design.