Giorgio Armani, Style Icon Who Dressed the World’s Elite, Dies at 91
giorgio Armani, the Italian fashion designer whose minimalist aesthetic redefined power dressing and captivated the world’s most influential figures, died at the age of 91.His designs graced the bodies of presidents and Hollywood stars alike, solidifying his place as a titan of the fashion industry.
Born in Piacenza, Italy, Armani built a global empire over four decades, starting in 1975.He quickly became known for his relaxed silhouettes and deconstructed jackets, a departure from the structured styles of the time. His influence extended beyond clothing, impacting how people approached fashion itself, leading too a retrospective of his first 25 years at New York’s Guggenheim Museum in 2000.
Armani’s designs were favored by a constellation of celebrities, including Jodie Foster, george Clooney, Sophia Loren, and Brad Pitt. His 2009 underwear ad campaign prominently featured David and Victoria Beckham as its “face.”
The Giorgio Armani fashion house marked its milestones with significant cultural contributions. In 2006, Armani opened Armani Silos, a museum dedicated to his work, in Milan, located opposite his Armani Theater. More recently, in the last month, he launched Archivio Armani, a digital archive preserving his legacy. “I love things that age well, things that don’t date and become living examples of the absolute best,” Armani stated, reflecting his commitment to enduring style.
Throughout his career, Armani maintained a firm control over his company, resisting offers to sell any portion of it to outside investors – a rarity in the Italian fashion world. He announced a foundation to ensure the continuity of his businesses and designated longtime collaborators Leo Dell’Orco and his niece Silvana Armani to lead the creative direction of his collections: Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, and Armani Exchange. Silvana Armani will head womenswear, while Dell’orco will oversee menswear.
By 2023,the Armani empire had grown to encompass over 9,000 employees,with women comprising half of the executive suite,seven industrial hubs,and over 600 stores worldwide. The company’s portfolio expanded beyond apparel to include perfumes, cosmetics, home furnishings, and even branded products like candy, flowers, and books. His most recent acquisition was the historic La Capannina restaurant in Forte dei Marmi, a location holding personal significance as a frequent holiday destination with his partner, Sergio Galeotti.
Armani’s interests extended beyond fashion, encompassing ownership of bars, restaurants, clubs, and a basketball team. He enjoyed leisure time at his homes in Broni, near Milan, on the island of Pantelleria off Sicily, and in St. Tropez, all characterized by his signature minimalist design aesthetic.
A dedicated philanthropist, Armani actively supported charities focused on children and the fight against AIDS.In 2002,he was appointed a U.N. goodwill ambassador for refugees. He embodied the spirit of “moda Milanese,” the movement that established Italian ready-to-wear as a global fashion leader.
Galeotti, a crucial figure in Armani’s life and buisness, passed away in 1985. Armani was deeply close to his niece Roberta, who transitioned from a promising film career to become his director of public relations and later head of VIP relations. Roberta Armani played a key role in orchestrating high-profile events,including the 2006 wedding of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes,for which Armani designed the wedding attire.
Giorgio Armani is survived by his sister Rosanna, a former fashion model, and her son Andrea Camerana; and nieces Silvana and Roberta, the daughters of his late brother Sergio.
