Fashion Icon Giorgio Armani Dies at 91, Leaving Billion-Dollar Legacy

Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani has died. He was 91 years old. The industry icon passed away at his home on Thursday. His fashion house confirmed the news officially.

Armani had been recovering from an undisclosed illness. He recently missed his runway shows in June. The designer was planning a major 50th-anniversary celebration this month.

Building a Global Fashion Empire

Giorgio Armani built an immense business empire. His company was worth over $10 billion at the time of his death. This is according to Forbes magazine. The brand included clothing, perfumes, and home furnishings.

He also owned restaurants and a professional basketball team. His influence extended far beyond the catwalk. Armani opened luxury hotels in both Milan and Dubai. His vision created a complete lifestyle brand.

Revolutionizing Modern Style

Armani changed how people dressed in the 20th century. He was famous for his unstructured, soft-shouldered jackets. This design offered a new, relaxed elegance. He paired these jackets with simple t-shirts.

He made the pantsuit a powerful symbol for businesswomen. This look became known as the “power suit” in the 1980s. His use of luxurious fabrics and neutral colors defined sophistication. Armani designed clothes he believed were practical for real life.

His impact was confirmed by a 2000 retrospective at New York’s Guggenheim Museum. The exhibit celebrated his first 25 years in fashion. It highlighted his significant contribution to global style.

A Lasting Hollywood Legacy

Hollywood played a huge role in Armani’s rise to fame. The 1980 film “American Gigolo” starring Richard Gere was a key moment. Gere’s character wore Armani’s designs exclusively. This launched the designer as a favorite among celebrities.

His designs have appeared in over 200 films. He became a regular on Oscar red carpets. Stars like George Clooney and Jodie Foster were longtime devotees. Armani dressed them for their most important public moments.

The world of fashion has lost one of its most influential figures. Giorgio Armani’s legacy of elegant, wearable luxury will continue to inspire. His name remains synonymous with timeless style and sophisticated design.

Info at your fingertips

What was Giorgio Armani’s cause of death?

Giorgio Armani passed away at home. His fashion house confirmed his death but did not disclose a specific cause. He had been ill and recovering in recent months.

Who owns the Armani fashion house now?

The future ownership structure is not yet public. Armani previously stated his family and foundation would oversee his empire. He ensured the company would remain independent after his passing.

How did Giorgio Armani get his start in fashion?

He initially studied medicine before switching careers. A job as a window dresser introduced him to fashion. He later co-founded his label in 1975 with a small investment.

What was Armani’s net worth?

According to Forbes, Giorgio Armani’s empire was valued at over $10 billion. This placed him among the world’s top billionaires. His wealth came from his global fashion and lifestyle brand.

What is Giorgio Armani’s most famous design?

He is best known for revolutionizing the unstructured suit jacket. His soft, deconstructed blazers for men and women became iconic. The 1980s “power suit” is also a defining part of his legacy.

Trusted Sources: Associated Press, Reuters, Forbes