Giorgio Armani, billionaire, pioneer of modern Italian fashion, dies at 91

Giorgio Armani, the billionaire designer who helped define Italian style and built one of the world’s most recognisable luxury brands, has died at the age of 91, his company said.

“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” the fashion house said in a statement.

A global fashion icon

Armani was synonymous with modern elegance, transforming “Made in Italy” into a global seal of quality.

Combining a designer’s creativity with a businessman’s precision, he built a group with annual revenues of about €2.3 billion ($2.7 billion).

The designer had been unwell in recent months and was absent from Milan’s Men’s Fashion Week in June — the first time he had missed his own runway shows.

Known as “Re Giorgio,” or King Giorgio, he was renowned for his close involvement in every detail, from shaping advertising campaigns to adjusting a model’s hair before they walked onto the catwalk.

The company said a funeral chamber will be open in Milan over the weekend, with a private funeral to follow at a later date.

From Medicine to Milan

Armani studied medicine before shifting to fashion, establishing his eponymous label in 1975.

From his unstructured jacket to jeans, sunglasses, shoes, and shirts, his designs quickly captured global attention.

Milan-based Giorgio Armani SpA expanded into a retail empire spanning multiple categories, cementing its influence across generations.

His aesthetic — understated tailoring in muted tones and soft fabrics — reshaped business and formal wear.

Armani suits became staples in executive boardrooms, while his black tie outfits and shimmering gowns dominated Hollywood red carpets.

Actors and celebrities embraced his styles, ensuring his presence on some of the world’s most photographed stages.

Over nearly five decades, Armani grew his brand into a vast lifestyle business.

Beyond clothing, the company extended into accessories, perfumes, cosmetics, home furnishings, books, flowers and even chocolates.

Forbes estimated his fortune at more than $10 billion, placing him among the 200 wealthiest people globally.

Lasting legacy

Armani’s influence extended well beyond fashion. He embodied Italian craftsmanship and entrepreneurship, bringing global visibility to Milan as a fashion capital.

His designs bridged the worlds of luxury and accessibility, shaping the way generations of men and women dressed for work, leisure, and glamour.

As the fashion world prepares to bid farewell, Armani leaves behind a brand synonymous with sophistication and an empire that remains one of the pillars of modern luxury.