Giorgio Armani, Legendary Italian Designer, Dies at 91
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Key Facts:
- Giorgio Armani died peacefully at age 91, the Armani Group confirmed
- Credited with redefining tailoring and Hollywood red carpet fashion
- Built Armani into a €10B empire, remaining its sole shareholder
- Founded the brand in 1975 with Sergio Galeotti
- Legacy includes Emporio Armani, Armani Exchange, Armani/Casa, and hotels
Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer who reshaped modern fashion with his elegant, understated style, has died at 91. The Armani Group said he passed away peacefully surrounded by family.
Born in Piacenza in 1934, Armani entered fashion in the late 1950s and co-founded his label in 1975. His unstructured jackets and sleek suits became an international symbol of Italian style, cemented when Richard Gere wore Armani in American Gigolo (1980). Armani soon became the go-to designer for Hollywood stars and red carpets worldwide.
Over five decades, Armani built one of fashion’s last great independent empires, spanning Emporio Armani, Armani Exchange, Armani/Casa, fragrances, hotels, and even sports through his ownership of basketball team Olimpia Milano. Valued between €8–10 billion, the brand remains a cornerstone of luxury, with Armani’s timeless tailoring still influencing designers and celebrities today.
