Milan: Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani, revered globally for his pioneering minimalist style, has died at the age of 91, the fashion house announced on social media. The legendary designer passed away surrounded by loved ones, although the cause of death has not been disclosed.
According to Ghana News Agency, Armani had been absent from major fashion shows in Milan and Paris for health reasons since June. However, he had been planning a return to the spotlight in September, as he had announced in Italian newspapers on his 91st birthday, July 11. The fashion world has been united in mourning his passing, with fellow designer Donatella Versace expressing, “The world has lost a giant today,” in a heartfelt Instagram post. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also paid tribute, acknowledging Armani’s profound impact on the fashion industry and Italy’s global image.
Born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, northern Italy, Armani’s journey to becoming a fashion icon was unconventional. Initially studying medicine, he shifted paths to explore his passion for fashion, influenced by his family’s emphasis on clothing and his grandfather’s theatrical work. His creations, celebrated for their elegant simplicity, have graced Hollywood stars like Richard Gere and Cate Blanchett. Armani’s minimalist designs redefined menswear, introducing softer, more casual fabrics and the innovative pairing of T-shirts with suits.
Armani’s career began as a window dresser and buyer for La Rinascente, an Italian department store, before he made his mark at Nino Cerruti’s company. In 1975, alongside Sergio Galeotti, Armani founded the Giorgio Armani SpA group, revolutionizing the fashion industry with his visionary designs. Despite Galeotti’s passing in 1985, Armani continued to lead the brand to global success, maintaining control over his empire with an estimated fortune exceeding £11 billion ($12.8 billion).
Steadfast in his commitment to independence, Armani never listed his company on the stock market or entertained takeover offers. Today, the Armani Group boasts 8,700 employees, over 2,000 stores worldwide, and a legacy that firmly anchors it in the fashion world. Armani’s passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a profound impact on both the fashion industry and cultural landscape.
