Giorgio Armani, world-renowned Italian designer, dies
Giorgio Armani died at the age of 91 (photo: Getty Images)
The world of fashion has been shaken by tragic news. At the age of 91, Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer of clothing and accessories, has passed away. His death was announced by the Armani company.
Giorgio Armani died: What is known
The death of the fashion designer and head of the legendary fashion house became known on September 4.
"With deep sorrow, Armani Group announces the death of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani," the company’s statement reads.
"Mr. Armani, as he was always respectfully and admiringly called by employees and colleagues, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones," they said.
"Unceasingly, he worked until his last days, devoting himself to the company, its collections, as well as to various and ever-changing projects, both existing and ongoing," brand representatives added.
Who was Giorgio Armani
Giorgio Armani was an Italian fashion designer and entrepreneur, one of the most influential designers in the world, and the founder of the Armani fashion house. He was born on July 11, 1934, in the city of Piacenza. Initially, Armani studied medicine at the University of Milan. He dropped out and began working at the La Rinascente department store, where he was involved in window displays and purchasing. Later, he moved into fashion. In the 1960s, he worked as a designer at Nino Cerruti.
In 1975, together with his partner Sergio Galeotti, he founded his own company, Giorgio Armani S.p.A. Armani gained worldwide recognition thanks to his approach to the men’s suit. His jackets became softer, looser, and more modern, which radically changed fashion in the 1970s and 80s. Enormous success came after the film "American Gigolo" (1980), in which Richard Gere wore Armani suits.
The brand quickly grew into a true empire. In addition to the main Giorgio Armani line, the designer created the youth brand Emporio Armani, the more affordable Armani Exchange (AX), the sporty Armani Jeans, the elite Armani Privé, as well as home collections under Armani Casa. The business expanded beyond fashion. Hotels and restaurants were later opened under the Armani Hotels brand.
Giorgio Armani is considered a symbol of Italian style, and his company is one of the most successful in the fashion world. He was never married and had no children, devoting his life to his work. According to Forbes, his fortune is estimated in billions of dollars, and his name has remained synonymous with elegance and high fashion for nearly half a century.
