Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani dies at 91

MILAN,— Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer who built a global brand around clean lines and understated luxury, has died aged 91, his fashion house said on Thursday.

The company said Armani died at home in Milan “peacefully and surrounded by loved ones.” The statement added he continued to work on collections and projects up until his death.

Armani, among the most influential figures in modern fashion, was set to celebrate 50 years of his brand during this month’s Milan Fashion Week. In June he missed the menswear previews for the first time, citing health reasons.

The Armani Theater, where he traditionally showcased his ready-to-wear designs, will host a public viewing on Saturday and Sunday. A private funeral is planned, the company said.

Reactions came swiftly. Donatella Versace, whose late brother Gianni was a noted rival of Armani in the 1990s, called him “a giant.” Actress Julia Roberts, long associated with Armani looks, posted: “A true friend. A Legend.” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised him as “a symbol of the best Italy.”

Born in Piacenza in 1934, Armani once aimed for a medical career before turning to fashion. He and partner Sergio Galeotti launched their label in 1975 with a small investment, and within years Armani’s relaxed tailoring redefined international fashion.

His unstructured jacket and muted palette became instantly recognizable, a style that moved seamlessly from boardrooms to Hollywood. In the 1980s his sharply tailored women’s pantsuits became emblematic of female empowerment in the workplace. Critics sometimes described his work as androgynous, but his clientele embraced it.

Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani, Milano, Italy, 1997. Photo: Creative Commons/wikipedia

Armani’s rise to global prominence accelerated after Richard Gere wore his designs in the 1980 film “American Gigolo.” The partnership led to further film credits and ensured Armani a steady presence on Hollywood red carpets, from Sean Penn to Anne Hathaway.

Over decades, Armani expanded into perfumes, eyewear, cosmetics, interior design, hotels, and restaurants. He also owned the Olympia Milano basketball team. Forbes estimated his fortune at more than $10 billion.

Known in Italy as “Re Giorgio,” Armani retained full ownership of his company, unusual in an industry dominated by conglomerates. In recent years he established a foundation to preserve the independence of his group and ensure succession, with longtime collaborator Leo Dell’Orco and niece Silvana Armani designated as creative leads.

Armani was known for his personal style of dark trousers and T-shirts and his minimalist homes in Milan, Pantelleria, and St. Tropez. He once explained his philosophy simply: “I design for real people. Clothes must be practical.”

Alongside business, Armani was active in philanthropy, particularly children’s causes and AIDS research. He was named a U.N. goodwill ambassador in 2002 for his support of refugees.

He is survived by his sister Rosanna, her son Andrea Camerana, and nieces Silvana and Roberta, the latter long involved in the company’s public relations.

(With files from AP)