Renowned Italian Fashion Designer Giorgio Armani Passes Away at 91

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Iconic fashion designer Giorgio Armani, known for propelling Italy to global fashion prominence and dressing Hollywood elite, has passed away at 91, according to a statement from the company he founded and led for 50 years.

“With immense sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and relentless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” read the fashion house’s statement.

The company confirmed that Armani died at his home.

At 91, Armani was a name synonymous with modern Italian fashion and sophistication.

Among the celebrities he dressed were Cate Blanchett, Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Nicole Kidman, Kevin Costner, and Lady Gaga.

A fashion designer poses with models at the end of his collection show as the spectators clap.

Giorgio Armani was seen as a pioneer of suit tailoring for men and women. Source: AAP / Daniel Dal Zennaro / EPA

Armani combined the flair of a designer with the acumen of a businessman, running a company that turned over 2.3 billion euros ($4.1 billion) annually.

He also owned several bars, clubs, restaurants and his own basketball team, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, better known as Olympia Milano.

Since 1998, he ventured into hospitality, opening over 20 restaurants worldwide, including in Milan and Tokyo, as well as two hotels: one in Dubai in 2009 and another in Milan in 2010.

From medicine to fashion

Having initially studied medicine, Armani transitioned into fashion during the 1960s and established his own label alongside his partner, Sergio Galeotti, in 1975. This label became renowned for its luxury in both men’s and women’s wear.

The designer’s career spanned almost six decades, with his brand becoming a household name after its re-invention of power dressing gained global attention in 1980 when he dressed Richard Gere in American Gigolo.

Due to ongoing health issues, Armani was unable to attend his group’s shows at Milan’s Men’s Fashion Week in June, marking the first absence in his career from one of his runway events.

A man is pictured alongside three women at an awards show.

Giorgio Armani collaborated with numerous stars like Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett, Julia Roberts, and Lady Gaga. Source: AAP / Will Oliver/EPA

Known as “Re Giorgio” — King Giorgio — the designer was known for overseeing every detail of his collection and every aspect of his business, from advertising to fixing models’ hair as they head out onto the runway.

“I design for real people. There is no merit in creating clothes and accessories that aren’t practical,” he would often say when describing his approach to design.

‘A true friend. A legend’

Roberts, who famously wore an Armani men’s suit to the 1990 Golden Globes, posted a picture of herself with the designer on Instagram, accompanied by a broken heart emoji.

“A true friend. A legend,” she wrote.

Armani remained the sole owner of his company and worked with a tight-knit group of long-time colleagues and family members.

“He treated everyone as equals and felt at ease among young people. He’d invite us to birthday parties and dinners at his villa in Broni [northern Italy], groups of us: tailors, mailmen, sales assistants,” said Mauro Barbieri, who worked as a warehouse man for Armani in Milan for 32 years.

“He would laugh with us and was really down to earth,” Barbieri told Reuters.

A funeral chamber will be set up over the weekend in Milan, the company said, followed by a private funeral at a later date.