On September 4, 2025, the fashion world was shaken by the news of Giorgio Armani’s passing at the age of 91. The Italian designer, often hailed as "Re Giorgio" or "King Giorgio," died at his home in Milan, surrounded by loved ones, as announced by the Armani Group. Armani’s death marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned five decades, during which he revolutionized fashion with his minimalist, deconstructed silhouettes and built a global empire valued at over $12.1 billion at the time of his passing. Known for pioneering soft power dressing and red-carpet fashion, Armani’s influence extended beyond clothing to beauty, fragrances, hospitality, and even sports. This article explores the latest news surrounding his death, tributes from global figures, the future of the Armani Group, and his enduring legacy in the fashion industry.
The Announcement and Circumstances
The Armani Group released a statement on September 4, 2025, expressing "infinite sorrow" at the passing of its founder, creative director, and sole shareholder. The statement highlighted Armani’s tireless dedication, noting that he "worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and many ongoing and future projects." Reports suggest that Armani had been battling health issues in the months leading up to his death, with a lung infection possibly linked to the effects of COVID-19. He was absent from his last three shows in June and July 2025, a first in his career, as he recovered at home. Despite his illness, Armani oversaw his final couture show in Paris remotely via video link, a testament to his unrelenting commitment to his craft.
A farewell ceremony for Armani is scheduled for September 6-7, 2025, in Milan, with a private funeral to follow on September 8, as reported by Corriere della Sera. The public farewell will allow fans and well-wishers to pay their respects to the designer who transformed Milan into a global fashion capital. The cause of death has not been officially confirmed, but sources indicate that his recent lung infection may have been a contributing factor.
Tributes from Around the World
The news of Armani’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from designers, celebrities, and world leaders. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called him “an icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best Italy has to offer,” emphasizing his role in elevating Italian fashion globally. Fashion designer Donatella Versace described him as “a giant” who “made history and will be remembered forever,” sharing a poignant black-and-white photo on social media. Other designers, including Ralph Lauren and Paul Smith, praised Armani’s consistency, independence, and creative vision, with Smith noting his “down-to-earth nature” and “enormous source of strength” in the industry.
Hollywood stars, many of whom wore Armani on red carpets, also paid heartfelt tributes. Julia Roberts, a longtime friend and wearer of Armani designs, shared a photo on Instagram with the caption, “A true friend. A legend.” Russell Crowe expressed his admiration, noting Armani’s presence in “so many significant moments” of his life. Morgan Freeman, Cindy Crawford, and Diane Kruger also shared personal anecdotes, highlighting Armani’s warmth and mentorship. From Bollywood, Sonam Kapoor posted throwback photos, writing, “Thank you Mr. Armani, you will be missed.” Sports figures like Rafael Nadal and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, who starred in Armani campaigns, also expressed their grief, underscoring his cross-industry influence.
Armani’s Revolutionary Legacy
Born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, Italy, Giorgio Armani initially pursued a career in medicine before transitioning to fashion in the 1960s. After working as a window dresser and designer for brands like Cerruti, he founded Giorgio Armani S.p.A. in 1975 with his late partner, Sergio Galeotti. His inaugural menswear and womenswear collections introduced a groundbreaking approach to tailoring, replacing stiff, structured suits with fluid, deconstructed designs. Dubbed the “King of the Blazer,” Armani’s soft power dressing—characterized by longer-cut jackets, loosely pleated trousers, and muted tones like greys and beige—redefined modern elegance and introduced the concept of “quiet luxury” long before it became a trend.
Armani’s influence extended to womenswear, where he empowered women with relaxed yet sophisticated silhouettes, moving away from the restrictive styles of the era. His designs became synonymous with timeless elegance, earning him accolades from publications like The New York Times, which called him “Fashion’s Master of the Power Suit,” and Le Monde, which hailed him as “one of the last great makers of modern fashion.” His work on films like American Gigolo (1980), where Richard Gere’s wardrobe showcased Armani’s sleek aesthetic, catapulted him to international fame and established him as a pioneer of red-carpet fashion. Over 250 films, including The Untouchables and The Wolf of Wall Street, featured his designs, cementing his Hollywood legacy.
Beyond fashion, Armani built a diverse empire encompassing Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, Armani Privé, Armani Casa (interiors), fragrances, cosmetics, hotels, and even sports uniforms for teams like Chelsea and Bayern Munich. His business acumen, maintaining independence by refusing offers from luxury conglomerates, and his meticulous control over every aspect of his brand—from design to advertising—set a standard for the industry. In 2024, the Armani Group reported revenues of €2.3 billion ($2.7 billion), despite a 5% decline attributed to a global luxury market slowdown.
Recent Developments and Succession Plans
In the months leading up to his passing, Armani had been planning for the future of his company. In an interview with the Financial Times on August 29, 2025, he outlined a “gradual transition” of responsibilities to his closest collaborators, including Leo Dell’Orco, head of menswear design, and family members like his nephew Andrea Camerana and niece Roberta Armani. This marked a shift from his earlier stance of retaining full control, as he acknowledged his health challenges after missing shows in Milan and Paris in June and July 2025. Dell’Orco took the final bow at these shows, a historic first for the brand.
Armani’s final collections, including the Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear show in New York on October 17, 2024, and the Fall 2025 Ready-to-Wear collection in Milan, showcased his signature elegance. The Armani Privé 2005-2025 exhibition at the Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan, opened in May 2025, was set to celebrate the brand’s 50th anniversary, a milestone Armani was expected to attend. His absence due to illness foreshadowed the end of his active involvement, but his vision remained evident in every detail.
The Armani Group also faced challenges in 2024, with a 24% drop in EBITDA to €398 million and a 66% decline in net profit before tax to €74.5 million, attributed to store renovations and a luxury market slowdown. Despite this, Armani doubled investments to €332 million, focusing on flagship store upgrades and e-commerce insourcing, signaling confidence in long-term growth.
The Future of the Armani Group
Armani’s death raises questions about the future of his independent empire, one of the few major fashion houses not owned by conglomerates like LVMH or Kering. Industry experts, including fashion director Anna Murphy, believe the brand will endure, citing its $2.3 billion revenue stream and the precedent of brands like Chanel and Dior thriving under new leadership. The Armani Group’s statement vowed to “protect what he built” with “respect, responsibility, and love,” suggesting a commitment to his vision. Leo Dell’Orco, Andrea Camerana, and Roberta Armani are likely to play key roles, with Dell’Orco potentially leading design and Roberta handling celebrity relations.
Recent product launches, such as the Emporio Armani Stronger With You Parfum and My Way Ylang Eau de Parfum in 2025, indicate the brand’s ongoing innovation in fragrances. Armani’s partnerships, including uniforms for Italy’s national soccer team and a new building on Madison Avenue with residential units and boutiques, reflect its diversified portfolio. The company’s independence, a value Armani described as “essential,” will be tested as it navigates this transition.
Armani’s Social Impact and Controversies
Armani’s legacy extends beyond design. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he donated €2 million to Italian hospitals and converted manufacturing sites to produce medical smocks, earning widespread praise. However, his career was not without controversy. In 2015, he faced criticism for comments suggesting that gay men “do not need to dress homosexual,” which sparked debate about inclusivity. More recently, in 2024, the Armani Group was investigated by Italy’s competition authority over labor practices at Chinese-owned subcontractors, though the company took corrective action, leading to the lifting of special administration in February 2025.
Conclusion
Giorgio Armani’s passing on September 4, 2025, marks the end of an era for fashion. His revolutionary approach to tailoring, from soft power suits to red-carpet glamour, reshaped how the world dresses, earning him accolades like the French Legion of Honour and the Italian Order of Merit for Labour. Tributes from global icons underscore his personal warmth and professional genius. As the Armani Group moves forward under new leadership, his legacy of elegance, independence, and innovation will continue to influence fashion for generations. The farewell in Milan will be a moment to celebrate a designer who not only dressed the world but redefined its sense of style.
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