Italian Fashion Icon Giorgio Armani Dies at 91

Legendary Italian designer Giorgio Armani, one of the most influential figures in global fashion, has died at the age of 91.

Armani passed away peacefully on Thursday, surrounded by family, according to a statement from his company. The cause of death was not disclosed, though the designer had missed several major shows earlier this year due to health issues.

Fondly referred to as Il Signor Armani by colleagues and employees, he was described as “indefatigable to the end,” with his team noting that he worked on projects until his final days.

Armani’s career transformed both Italian fashion and Hollywood red-carpet culture. Since founding his fashion house in Milan in 1975, he built a global luxury empire that expanded beyond clothing into accessories, perfumes, hotels, and lifestyle ventures. His minimalist, elegant style became synonymous with modern sophistication, and his designs were worn by some of the biggest names in film and music.

Tributes poured in from across the world. Italian designer Donatella Versace wrote on Instagram: “The world lost a giant today. He made history and will be remembered forever.” Hollywood actress Julia Roberts called him “a true friend, a legend,” while Anne Hathaway hailed him as “one of the emperors of Italian fashion.”

French billionaire and LVMH chief Bernard Arnault praised Armani for giving Italian elegance “a global reach and scale,” while Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described him as “a symbol of Italy at its best.”

Armani’s funeral will be private on Monday, but a memorial chamber will be open to the public in Milan over the weekend, giving admirers an opportunity to pay their respects.

His passing comes just weeks before the planned celebration of the 50th anniversary of his fashion house at Milan Fashion Week. In a recent interview, Armani had spoken about a “gradual transition” of leadership within his company to trusted family members and close collaborators, including longtime partner and head of menswear design, Leo Dell’Orco.

Armani’s legacy extends beyond fashion. In 2016, he made headlines by banning fur from all his collections, a decision celebrated by animal rights activists. On Thursday, his official Instagram page shared one of his quotes: “The mark I hope to leave is one of commitment, respect, and genuine care for people and for reality. That’s where everything truly begins.”

Giorgio Armani’s death marks the end of an era, but his influence on fashion, style, and culture is certain to endure for generations.