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

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.

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

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.

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’