On September 4, 2025, Milan was plunged into mourning. Giorgio Armani – one of the most important designers in fashion history – died at the age of 91. He passed away peacefully, in his home, surrounded by his loved ones. Although he had been struggling with health problems for many months, he remained professionally active until his last moments. He followed the preparations for the shows, provided guidance, and made sure that the brand that bears his name remained consistent. Giorgio Armani is dead – what next for his legacy?
Armani and unusual career beginnings
He was born in Piacenza in 1934. He initially planned a career in medicine, but soon discovered that aesthetics and design were his path. He started at fashion house Nino Cerruti, where he perfected his tailoring skills. In 1975, together with Sergio Galeotti, he founded his own company -. Giorgio Armani S.p.A. – which was soon to revolutionize world fashion.
Armani’s revolution
Armani liberated the suit from its rigidity. His designs – lightweight, soft on the figure – redefined elegance. He was a master of simplicity, minimalism and subtle luxury. He created the “power dressing” image of the 1980s. Therefore, he gave women clothes that combined elegance with power.
From the film “American Gigolo” with Richard Gere to the red carpets of the Oscars, Armani has become a Hollywood designer. He has dressed Juliette Binoche, Michelle Pfeiffer, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett or Julia Roberts.
In turn, his name was synonymous with class and prestige. Today Giorgio Armani is dead, but his legacy will remain a living part of the fashion world.
Empire and brand DNA
The Armani brand today is much more than a prêt-à-porter line. The designer has created an entire ecosystem: from Emporio Armani, to Armani Exchange, to hotels, restaurants, cosmetics and accessories. Each of these branches had a common denominator: timeless style, harmony of forms and lack of unnecessary splendor.
Armani’s DNA is:
- Minimalism and purity of form,
- A neutral, muted color palette,
- subtle elegance instead of ostentation,
- Functionality intertwined with luxury.
As a result, his clothes never lost their relevance – they were both contemporary and classic.
Giorgio Armani is dead. Reactions from the world of fashion and culture
The news of Armani’s death caused a wave of emotions. Julia Roberts called him “the architect of elegance.” Leonardo DiCaprio, on the other hand, remembered him as “a friend and a master.” Donatella Versace stressed the following.
“Without Armani, Italian fashion would not be what it is today.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni referred to him as “the king of Italian fashion.” Milan therefore declared a day of national mourning. Crowds bid farewell to the designer at Teatro Armani, where his coffin was displayed before a private funeral. Giorgio Armani is dead, and the world – not just the fashion world – is paying tribute to him.
Succession and the future of the brand
Armani spent decades meticulously preparing his company for the moment when he would be gone. He chose not to sell the empire, maintaining full independence. His closest associate, Pantaleo (Leo) Dell’Orco, who has been in charge of the men’s line for years, is touted as a natural successor. The designer’s niece, Silvana Armani, responsible for the women’s collections, also plays an important role in management.
The Armani Group assures that the succession process will proceed “organically and without haste.” Experts predict that thanks to the team developed over decades and the strong DNA of the brand, the fashion house will maintain consistency and stability. Therefore, Armani will remain Armani. The legacy of the brilliant designer is still alive.
Giorgio Armani is dead. Legacy
Giorgio Armani changed fashion, but also the way we think about elegance. He made luxury more discreet and style more democratic. He left behind an empire that generates billions of euros in revenue, but above all, an aesthetic language whose influence cannot be overstated.
Armani used to say.
“elegance is not about standing out, but about being remembered.”
And indeed – his clothes, like himself, will forever be remembered.
