Giorgio Armani, the Italian fashion designer celebrated for his elegant style and influence on Hollywood, has died at 91, the Armani Group announced on Sept. 4.
Over five decades, Armani had built one of the world’s most recognizable luxury brands. His sharp, unstructured suits, famously worn by Richard Gere in “American Gigolo,” redefined elegance and cemented his place on red carpets worldwide. His empire expanded beyond couture to include hotels, fragrances, cosmetics, jewelry, and even chocolates.
The Armani Group stated that he died peacefully, surrounded by family. Employees and relatives remembered him as a “tireless driving force” who built his company with “vision, passion, and dedication.”
Born in 1934 in Piacenza, Italy, Armani studied medicine before turning to fashion in 1957 as a window dresser at Milan’s La Rinascente department store. With his business partner Sergio Galeotti, he launched his label in 1975.
Armani remained the sole owner of his company, unusual in a fashion industry dominated by corporate groups. He leaves behind a global brand valued between $9.3 billion and $11.7 billion, along with a legacy of understated, powerful design.