Giorgio Armani: The Legendary Designer Who Transformed Fashion and His Enduring Legacy

On September 4, the fashion world was shaken by the news of the passing of Giorgio Armani, the master designer who defined an era. He was 91. A memorial chamber will be open from September 6 to 7, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Armani/Teatro on Via Bergognone 59 in Milan. In accordance with his explicit wishes, however, the funeral itself will be held privately and in silence.

From the 20th to the 21st century, Armani’s impact on the fashion industry was immeasurable. His soft tailoring liberated elegance from rigidity, granting men and women a new sense of freedom in how they dressed. His vision eventually expanded into interiors and hospitality, transforming his name into a global lifestyle empire. His presence carried a dignity worthy of the title long bestowed upon him: “King Giorgio.”

From Aspiring Doctor to the World of Fashion

Armani’s career in fashion began with an unexpected choice. Born in 1934 in the small northern Italian city of Piacenza, he initially set out to become a doctor. But a part-time job as a window dresser at a department store in Milan altered the course of his life. It was there that his passion for fashion took root, ultimately guiding him toward a completely new path.

In 1975, he founded his eponymous brand, Giorgio Armani. The following year, he presented his first womenswear collection, removing the stiffness from men’s tailoring and creating the “power suit” that not only reflected but also empowered women’s growing presence in the workplace. The collection catapulted him onto the global stage.

Over time, the brand expanded further, launching diffusion lines such as Emporio Armani, Armani Exchange (A|X), and Armani Privé. Anchored by the original Giorgio Armani label of 1975, these ventures developed into a vast global fashion empire that redefined luxury.

A Global “Armani Empire”

Armani also demonstrated remarkable foresight in licensing. Through a strategic partnership with L’Oréal, he expanded into fragrances and cosmetics, building a portfolio of more than 40 scent lines. In 2000, he launched Armani/Casa, entering the world of furniture and interior design. Five years later, in 2005, the Armani Hotel opened inside Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, followed by a second in Milan in 2011.

His ties to the world of sports ran deep. Through his EA7 line, he provided official uniforms for Olympic teams, and he was also known as the owner of the basketball team Olimpia Milano. In football, Armani designed kits for numerous teams, including Juventus and the Italian national team.

Armani’s achievements extended far beyond design, earning him numerous international honors. Beginning with the Neiman Marcus Fashion Award in 1979, he went on to receive the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, the CFDA International Designer Award, and France’s Légion d’Honneur.

His acclaim was not limited to the fashion industry. In 2019, he was recognized with WWD’s John B. Fairchild Honor, further underscoring his lifelong contributions. Armani also dedicated himself to social causes, serving as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and, in 2003, being honored on the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style, leaving a lasting mark on both culture and society.

He is also remembered as the designer who helped establish the concept of red-carpet fashion, dressing actors and musicians in a way that etched “Italian elegance” into the backdrop of global glamour. Julia Roberts called him “A true friend. A Legend.” Anne Hathaway praised him as “one of the emperors of Italian fashion,” while Cindy Crawford described him as “a master of his craft.”

The film world also paid heartfelt tribute. Director Martin Scorsese remarked, “He was more than a clothing designer. He was a real artist, and a great one.” Armani’s work indeed extended to cinema, designing costumes for Robert De Niro in Casino (1995) and suits for Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013).

Even in his later years, Armani’s dedication never wavered. A company statement noted, “Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and the many ongoing and future projects.” Up until shortly before his passing, he was still remotely directing the production of his shows. It was telling when he once admitted, “My greatest weakness is that I try to control everything myself.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid tribute, saying, “With his elegance, sobriety, and creativity, he was able to bring lustre to Italian fashion and inspire the entire world. An icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best of Italy.” LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault added, “He created a unique style, made of shadow and light, which he transformed into an entrepreneurial adventure crowned with success.”

Ferrari, another emblem of Italian luxury that stood alongside Armani as a symbol of the nation’s prestige, also issued a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Giorgio Armani, a timeless icon of Italian style and creativity. His vision redefined elegance and inspired generations around the world. We join the fashion community in honoring his extraordinary legacy and extending our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

Eternal “King Giorgio”

Armani’s passing came just ahead of the brand’s 50th anniversary celebrations scheduled for September. Yet his life’s work and enduring achievements have already shaped more than half a century of fashion history itself.

“The mark I hope to leave is one of commitment, respect, and genuine care for people and for reality. That is where everything truly begins.” — Giorgio Armani

True to his words, his name will continue to live on as “King Giorgio,” a lasting symbol of fashion and Italian culture.