By Jemimah Chungu
The global fashion industry is in mourning following the death of Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer who reshaped modern elegance and remained at the helm of his empire for nearly five decades. Armani died on September 4 at his home in Milan at the age of 91, surrounded by family.
The Armani Group confirmed his passing in a statement: “With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani.”
Armani rose to prominence in the 1970s, introducing clean, tailored lines that came to define power dressing in Hollywood, boardrooms, and red carpets alike. Unlike many contemporaries, he kept a tight grip on his empire, ensuring that his creative vision remained consistent through decades of shifting fashion trends.
Even in his later years, Armani maintained close oversight of his shows and collections. His absence from the Milan runway in June 2025, due to illness, was the first in his career, yet he still directed proceedings virtually.
Italy’s President Giorgia Meloni was among the first to pay tribute. Writing on X, she said: “With his elegance, sobriety, and creativity, he brought lustre to Italian fashion and inspired the entire world. An icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best of Italy.”
Donatella Versace described Armani as “a giant who made history.” Ralph Lauren praised him as a peer he “always deeply respected and admired.” Former Vogue editor Dame Anna Wintour noted that Armani “understood power, attitude, and elegance as well as anyone ever has in fashion.”
Armani’s influence extended far beyond fashion houses. He dressed some of Hollywood’s biggest names, designing wardrobes for more than 200 films and becoming synonymous with the glamour of the red carpet. His relationship with the entertainment industry cemented his reputation as not just a designer but a cultural architect.
Armani’s empire spans haute couture, ready-to-wear, accessories, perfumes, and hotels, but his legacy rests in how he reshaped modern fashion with precision and discipline. His vision turned Italian fashion into a global benchmark, influencing generations of designers and reshaping consumer expectations.
A public funeral chamber will be set up at Milan’s Armani Teatro from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. this weekend, giving admirers a chance to pay their respects to a man who transformed style into a language of power and grace.
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