Giorgio Armani, the man who dressed Hollywood’s biggest stars and revolutionized men’s fashion, has left the runway for the final time. He was a legendary Italian high fashion designer and founder of the Armani group, sadly passed away on September 4th, 2025, at the age of 91. He passed away due to liver failure. His company released a statement the day of his passing that said, “With infinite sorrow, the Armani group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force, Giorgio Armani.” He was said to have died at his home in Milan, peacefully surrounded by loved ones.

Armani was born July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, Italy. He is titled as one of the most influential designers in the world. He is a businessman and a billionaire. Despite his private nature, he originally wanted to be a doctor, then dropped out of medical school, deciding it was not for him. More importantly for the fashion world, he was one of the first designers to promote a healthy body image, instead of having models who were too thin. He had a big part in creating red carpet fashion, and many celebs wore his design. Richard Gere wore his suits in the movie ‘American Gigolo’, and after the film was released, his fashion line sales went from $90,000 to $135 million. Many other celebrities who were fans of his work had much to say about his death. Julia Roberts posted a picture of her wearing one of his designs and called him “a true friend” in the caption. Reese Witherspoon wrote on Instagram, “What a dream it was to work with Giorgio Armani! A legendary designer who offered the world so much style, elegance, and grace. I will be forever grateful that I got to wear so many beautiful gowns. My heart goes out to his family and all the wonderful people at his atelier during this time”. Many other celebrities, such as Leonardo Dicaprio, Diane Kruger, Elizabeth Hurley, Russell Crowe, Naomi Campbell, Donatella Versace, and many more, said some nice things about him being a friend and inspiration to them in the media. He started as a window dresser in the 1950s and eventually became a fashion designer for Nino Cerruti.  He had no real fashion training and learned only by working. In 1975, he founded the Giorgio Armani company in Milan.  It started with only men’s wear and eventually became women’s wear as well.  His sleek, unstructured suits in the 1980 film ‘American Gigolo’ sparked a menswear revolution and introduced American audiences to Italian sophistication.  He was known for very soft and unstructured suits, unlike older styles. They were straightforward but luxurious. Very modern and minimalistic designs, which were new to the people then. He stayed in control of his company the entirety of his life, while most designers sold out to huge companies.

Giorgio Armani will always be remembered as a high fashion legend. He created Armani, one of the most luxurious and well-known designers ever, founding his own fashion house back in 1975. Armani is known for his sophisticated, elegant, and lavish designs in a minimalist way of fashion that redefined modern elegance. The brand is truly iconic, especially for its red carpet dressing.  It has fragrances, home interiors, cosmetics, haute couture, suits, accessories, and more.  

The fashion king sadly started to decline very quickly just recently this year. He never missed a Milan Men’s fashion week show in decades, apparently; however, in June 2025, only a few months ago, he was unable to attend due to illness. His last public appearance was at the Armani Prive show in Paris on January 28th, 2025. Although he was experiencing health issues, work continued; he remained involved in designs and oversaw the 50th anniversary projects of his signature fashion house.  

The funeral chamber was set up in Milan for the public to see the following Saturday and Sunday after his passing.  His real funeral was private; he wished for that. Supposed to be buried in his family chapel in Rivalta di Gazzola, Piacenza.

He has been the sole shareholder of the company until his death.  In 2024, the business had annual revenues of $2.3 billion. The Armani family and the foundation will still own 30% of the industry, and in a few years, they may sell 54.9% of the company or take it public. Within 18 months, 15% of the company will be sold. Armani never had children or even got married. Of course, he wanted his hard work and legacy to live on, so he chose a mix of family, business partners, and a foundation to keep the business afloat.  He picked partners whom he trusted, such as LVMH, L’Oréal, and EssilorLuxottica, who were already working on cosmetics for him. His nieces and nephews will run some of it, and his long-time right-hand man, Leo Dell’Orco.  

May Giorgio Armani, the Italian fashion king, rest in peace. His influence transformed the fashion industry forever.  He will always be remembered for his greatness. His company will continue under a very detailed plan he left behind. A portion will be sold, but the company will live on. He ensured that his brand would continue to evolve, not end.  He was truly a fashion legend.