Fashion designer Giorgio Armani, the creator and guiding force of the Armani Group, died in Milan on September 4, 2025, at the age of 91. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family, closing a chapter in fashion that stretched for five decades. The Armani Group confirmed his passing, noting that he remained deeply engaged with collections and projects until his final days. A funeral chamber has been arranged at Armani/Teatro in Milan on September 6 and 7, while a private ceremony will follow, in accordance with his wishes.
Armani was born in Piacenza in 1934, the son of an accountant. He initially studied medicine at the University of Milan but shifted direction after serving at a military hospital. His career began at La Rinascente in 1957, where he worked as a window dresser and buyer. He later designed menswear for Nino Cerruti, gaining experience that prepared him for the founding of his own company. In 1975, alongside partner Sergio Galeotti, Armani launched his label, which would grow into one of the most influential independent fashion houses in history.
The first collections included both menswear and womenswear, marked by soft tailoring and unstructured cuts that stood apart from the rigid styles of the era. For men, the unlined jacket reshaped business attire and gained worldwide attention when Richard Gere wore Armani in American Gigolo in 1980. For women, his tailored suits and clean silhouettes offered a new approach to professional dress, shaping the look of power dressing in the 1980s. With the launch of Armani Privé in 2005, he extended this vision into couture, creating gowns that became central to red carpets and international film festivals.
He has been driven by relentless curiosity and a deep attention to the present and to people. Along this journey, he established an open dialogue with the public, becoming a beloved and respected figure for his ability to connect with everyone. Always mindful of the needs of the community, he has been active on many fronts, especially in support of his beloved Milan. – Armani Group
Over the years, Armani expanded his vision into multiple lines, including Emporio Armani, Armani Jeans, Armani Exchange and Armani Privé. His brand grew into accessories, fragrance, home design, and hospitality, with flagship hotels in Dubai and Milan. He also forged strong ties to sports, designing uniforms for the Italian Olympic team and owning the Olimpia Milano basketball club. Armani remained unique among fashion titans for maintaining full independence, steering the company according to his own values. In 2016, he established the Giorgio Armani Foundation to guide the group’s future and ensure continuity.
Armani earned recognition throughout his career. He received the CFDA International Award and the British Fashion Council’s Outstanding Achievement Award. In 2000, the Guggenheim Museum in New York staged a retrospective of his work, an unusual recognition for a living designer at the time. These honors reflected his influence far beyond fashion, extending into cinema, culture, and lifestyle. He also maintained a close connection to Milan, where he supported civic projects and charitable initiatives that strengthened his bond with the city.
In his later years, Armani maintained an intense work rhythm. Although health challenges led him to miss Milan Fashion Week in June 2025, he continued planning events to mark the 50th anniversary of his company. His death closes a defining chapter in fashion, yet his vision and discipline will continue to shape Milan and the industry he influenced for decades. The Armani Group will move forward under the direction of his family and close colleagues, carrying the independence and values he established from the outset.
