Giorgio Armani, the iconic Italian fashion designer, passed away at 91 on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in Milan, leaving an indelible mark on the global fashion industry. The Armani group confirmed that the designer died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after dedicating his final days to his company and collections. Donatella Versace, former creative director of Versace and a towering figure in fashion, took to social media to pay an emotional tribute to her friend and rival, emphasizing his genius and lasting influence. Known for revolutionizing tailoring with his deconstructed suits, Armani leaves behind a fortune estimated at €8.6 billion (roughly R$54 billion) and an empire spanning fashion, fragrances, hotels, and interior design. A public memorial chamber will be open in Milan on September 6 and 7, while the funeral will remain private, as per the designer’s wishes.
Armani founded his namesake brand in 1975 alongside his partner Sergio Galeotti, who passed away in 1985. Born in Piacenza, Italy, on July 11, 1934, he abandoned medical studies to enter fashion as a window dresser at La Rinascente department store in Milan. His vision of minimalist elegance and fluid cuts captivated the world, dressing stars like Richard Gere in American Gigolo (1980) and Beyoncé, as well as sports teams like Chelsea FC.
- Key milestones in Armani’s career:
- Founded Giorgio Armani in 1975, reshaping menswear fashion.
- Launched Emporio Armani in 1981, expanding the brand’s reach.
- Became the first designer since Christian Dior to grace the cover of Time in 1982.
- Designed iconic costumes for films like The Untouchables (1987).
- Built an empire with hotels, restaurants, and the Armani/Teatro in Milan.
A visionary’s legacy
Giorgio Armani redefined fashion with his innovative approach, particularly through the deconstruction of the men’s suit, removing linings and padding to create lighter, modern silhouettes. His minimalist aesthetic, featuring neutral tones like beige, gray, and blue, stood in contrast to the bold, sensual style of brands like Versace, led by Gianni and later Donatella Versace. Armani began his career in the 1960s working with Nino Cerruti, where he honed his tailoring expertise. After founding his brand, he expanded into lines such as Armani Privé (haute couture), Armani Exchange (youth fashion), and Emporio Armani (ready-to-wear).
His influence extended to Hollywood, where his costumes for American Gigolo brought global recognition, with Richard Gere embodying his sleek suits. Armani also dressed stars like Robert DeNiro in The Untouchables and celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Lady Gaga, cementing his status as a cultural icon.
- Contributions beyond fashion:
- Launched bestselling fragrances like Acqua Di Giò, a global hit.
- Opened luxury hotels in Milan and Dubai, plus restaurants and the Armani/Teatro.
- Banned animal fur in collections since 2016, embracing sustainability.
- Supported humanitarian causes, particularly in Milan, his adopted city.
Donatella Versace’s tribute
Donatella Versace, who took over Versace’s creative direction after her brother Gianni’s murder in 1997, honored Armani on social media, writing: “The world lost a giant today. He made history and will be remembered forever.” Having stepped down as Versace’s creative director in March 2025 to become the brand’s chief ambassador, Donatella praised Armani’s ability to anticipate trends. Despite a historical rivalry with Gianni Versace, fueled by their contrasting styles, her 2025 tribute reflected mutual respect.
The Armani-Versace rivalry was not without tension. In 2015, Armani sparked controversy by calling Versace’s sensual designs “tasteless.” Donatella retorted, defending her brother’s legacy and labeling Armani’s remarks “rude.” Her recent tribute, however, underscores a relationship that matured into admiration.
Impact on Italian fashion
Armani’s death marks the end of an era for Italian fashion, which also lost Gianni Versace in 1997. His brand, valued at over €2 billion annually, remains a symbol of “made in Italy” excellence. Unlike many peers, Armani resisted mergers, maintaining creative and financial control—a rarity in a market dominated by conglomerates like LVMH and Capri Holdings.
Even at 91, Armani oversaw collections remotely, missing the Milan Men’s Fashion Week in June 2025 for the first time due to health issues. His timeless designs, created to “age gracefully,” influenced generations of designers and consumers.
- Numbers defining the Armani empire:
- Personal fortune estimated at €8.6 billion (R$54 billion).
- Annual revenue of the Armani group: approximately €2.3 billion.
- Over 50 years of brand history, founded in 1975.
- Global presence with hotels, restaurants, and stores in Paris, Tokyo, and New York.
Farewell in Milan
A memorial chamber will be set up at the Armani/Teatro in Milan on September 6 and 7, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., allowing fans and colleagues to pay their respects. The funeral, per Armani’s wishes, will be private, reserved for close friends and family. Milan, a city Armani helped establish as a global fashion capital, is preparing tributes and events to honor his legacy.
Public figures have begun sharing condolences. Italian presenter Simona Ventura wrote: “Giorgio, you are and will always be our king. Thank you for making us proud to be Italian.” Former Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni added: “Farewell, Giorgio Armani. You represented Italy with great style.”
The future of Giorgio Armani
With Armani’s passing, the future of his brand remains uncertain. As the sole shareholder and creative director, he left no publicly named successor. Recent interviews hinted at succession plans, but details remain undisclosed. The brand’s independence, a hallmark of Armani’s vision, may face challenges in a competitive market. Experts speculate that conglomerates may show interest, though the family and staff vow to uphold Armani’s values.
Armani championed quality over fleeting trends. In a 2000 Harper’s Bazaar interview, he said: “The key is creating elegant clothes designed to last years, not months.” This philosophy will likely guide the brand moving forward.
- Possible scenarios for the Armani group:
- Continuation under family management, potentially led by niece Silvana Armani.
- Appointment of an internal creative director to preserve Armani’s vision.
- Acquisition by a luxury conglomerate, as seen with Versace.
- Expansion of lines like Armani Exchange to target younger audiences.
Global and timeless influence
Armani’s impact transcends fashion. He elevated Milan as a design hub with projects like the Armani/Silos museum and Armani/Teatro cultural space. His commitment to sustainability, including banning fur, inspired ethical shifts in the industry. Known for his private demeanor, Armani’s authenticity made him a revered figure.
Donatella Versace’s tribute captures the industry’s sentiment: Armani was not just a designer but a visionary who shaped contemporary culture. His legacy will endure on runways, in films, and in the streets of Milan.
