Giorgio Armani, Fashion Icon, Dies at 91
Giorgio Armani, the celebrated Italian fashion designer who revolutionized global style and dressed generations of Hollywood stars, has died at the age of 91. The announcement was made Thursday by the Armani Group, the company he founded and led for five decades.
Armani successfully blended creative design with astute business management, building a company with an annual turnover of approximately €2.3 billion. The fashion house, which has remained independently owned throughout it’s 50-year history, released a statement expressing “infinite sorrow” at his passing.
The statement affirmed the commitment of employees and family members to uphold Armani’s legacy and continue the company’s operations “with respect, responsibility, and love.”
Armani had been experiencing health issues and missed his group’s show at Milan Men’s Fashion Week in june – a first for the designer.
Known affectionately as “Re Giorgio” (King Giorgio) in Italy, Armani maintained meticulous control over all aspects of his brand, from design and advertising to runway presentation. He was lauded for his minimalist aesthetic, especially his tailoring, which gained significant popularity in the United States during the late 1970s and 80s, offering women a powerful yet elegant style for a changing professional landscape. Fashion historian Virginia Hill noted that clients frequently enough remained loyal to Armani’s designs for decades, embracing his overall beliefs.
Throughout his career, Armani fostered a close relationship with his employees, inviting them to personal events at his villa in Broni, northern Italy, regardless of their position within the company, according to Mauro Barbieri, a former Armani warehouse worker.The company had been preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary during Milan Fashion Week this month with an exhibition and related events. Following his death, family members – including nieces Silvana and Roberta, nephew Andrea Camerana, and long-time associate Pantaleo Dell’Orco – are expected to lead the company.
A public viewing will be held in Milan this weekend, with a private funeral to follow at a later date.
