Italian fashion icon Giorgio Armani dies

Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91, his company said on Thursday.

The Piacenza native founded the Milan-based luxury fashion company of the same name in 1975.

Armani's trademark stylish suits were known for combining comfort with elegance.

The fashion house said that Armani died in his home surrounded by his loved ones.

Who was Giorgio Armani?

Armani was born in 1934 in Piacenza in northern Italy's Emilia region and moved to Milan after World War II.

He founded the company alongside Sergio Galeotti, who died in 1985.

The business generated some €2.3 billion ($2.7 billion) in revenue in 2024.

Armani was the sole major shareholder of the firm and had no children to inherit it.

His fashion empire is worth over $10 billion, which had placed him among the world's top 200 billionaires, according to US business magazine Forbes.

In 2024, Armani told Italian daily Corriere della Sera that he wasn't planning to retire and would like to lead his company for a couple more years.

World has 'lost a giant'

Donatella Versace, a fashion designer and board member of the Versace fashion house, expressed her sorrow at Armani's death.

"The world has lost a giant today. He made history and will be remembered forever," Versace, who is also the sister of fashion house founder Gianni Versace, said.

Billionaire and CEO of the Moncler fashion company, Remo Ruffini, paid his respects by citing the late designer.

"'Elegance is not about being noticed, it's about being remembered' Thank you Giorgio," Ruffini said.

Armani's employees and family said in a statement that his passing had left a "void."

"In this company, we have always felt like part of a family. Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion, and dedication," the statement read.

"But it is precisely in his spirit that we, the employees and the family members who have always worked alongside Mr. Armani, commit to protecting what he built and to carrying his company forward in his memory, with respect, responsibility, and love."

Venice's iconic opera house Teatro La Fenice paid its respects to the "maestro" of Italian fashion.

"Giorgio Armani is not just a name but a universal language of elegance, sobriety, and creative strength. An icon who has redefined fashion and will continue to inspire generations. May the earth be light upon you, maestro."

Armani brought 'luster to Italian fashion'

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the late designer's elegance and creativity, referring to him as an "icon."

"Giorgio Armani leaves us at the age of 91. With his elegance, sobriety and creativity, he was able to bring luster to Italian fashion and inspire the entire world," she said.

"An icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best of Italy. Thank you for everything."

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also paid his respects.

"Giorgio Armani has passed away, a timeless talent and Made in Italy ambassador in the world. A visionary of fashion, a refined interpreter of the elegance and beauty of our country," he said.

"His is an extraordinary success story. Today we embrace his family, grateful for the extraordinary style he has given to Italy and the world."

Edited by: Rana Taha