Giorgio Armani, legendary Italian fashion designer and founder of the famous fashion house, has passed away at the age of 91. Armani announced his death on Thursday, highlighting his lifelong contribution to the brand and the fashion industry.
Armani was the epitome of Italian elegance and his influence extended far beyond the boundaries of fashion – he built an empire with billions in sales, while retaining personal control over every detail of his creations.
He rose to prominence in the 1970s when he transformed the classic men's jacket into a lightweight, flexible garment, ushering in an era of minimalist elegance. Armani believed that true style lies in simplicity, not extravagance. Thanks to his collaboration with Hollywood and his attention to detail, his brand became synonymous with sophistication.
Together with his partner Sergio Galeotti, he founded a company that he continued to run himself even after his death, consistently rejecting external investors. Despite his global success, he was reserved, protected his privacy, and never indulged in extravagance.
He considered his work his life's passion and claimed that it replaced all other joys for him. He remained active even in his old age, although he had been struggling with health problems in recent months.
His death raises questions about the future of the brand, but Armani insisted that his closest relatives and long-time employees would carry on his legacy. “After Armani, there will still be an Armani,” he declared.
The famous “King Giorgio” can be paid his last respects in Milan over the weekend, followed by a private funeral.
(reuters, lup)