Giorgio Armani, known for his passion for design, distinct Italian style, and unmatched elegance, has passed away, the company confirmed in a statement. Armani, whose sleek sensibility rewrote the rules of fashion, will be remembered for his steadfast creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. He is, undeniably, the most successful Italian designer in history.
He truly loved his work and did so until the end of his life, continuing to be involved in planning current collections while overseeing other projects within the company, both current and future. He created something special and extraordinary that spanned beyond the scope of the clothes he made. To Mr. Armani, fashion wasn’t just clothes but art, music, and culture.
A Visionary Who Redefined Italian Style
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Giorgio Armani’s business can be traced back to the humblest of beginnings. The legendary designer sold his Volkswagen Beetle and built his business from scratch, launching in 1975. Already widely known for his easy shapes and chic tailoring, his fame reached new heights after he dressed Richard Gere for his role in the 1980 film American Gigolo.
Though rumors of sales and investors followed Mr. Armani many times throughout his career, at the time of his death, he was the sole shareholder in Giorgio Armani S.p.a., which had a revenue of $2.7 billion in 2024.
While his business began with menswear and womenswear, over the years, Mr. Armani tapped into his viewpoint that fashion was more than just clothes, launching accessories, shoes, handbags, home goods, and even a line of sweets. The mogul even ventured into the hospitality world, opening a series of luxury hotels.
Remembering Giorgio Armani’s Enduring Influence
In 2016, Armani announced the formation of a foundation specifically created to manage the assets and business of Giorgio Armani S.p.a., which remains one of the few Italian luxury brands to remain independent from conglomerates or parent companies. Prior to his death, Mr. Armani ensured that the fate of his business would be left in the hands of his heirs and trusted business associates.
“Giorgio Armani is a company with fifty years of history, grown with emotion and patience. Giorgio Armani has always made independence, thought and action, his hallmark. The company is a reflection, today and always, of this feeling. The family and employees will carry the Group forward in respect and continuity of these values,” the company’s statement read, in part.
