Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91 in Milan, Italy.
The Armani Group announced in a statement posted to the designer’s Instagram: “With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani. Il Signor Armani, as he was always respectfully and admiringly called by employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections and the many ongoing and future projects ..Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion, and dedication. But it is precisely in his spirit that we, the employees and the family members who have always worked alongside Mr. Armani, commit to protecting what he built and to carrying his company forward in his memory, with respect, responsibility and love.”
Armani was born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, Italy and originally studied medicine at the university level for three years until he left to serve his two required years of military service in Italy. at a department store in Milan as a window dresser for La Rinascente department store. He moved up to work as a buyer before venturing into design in the mid-’60s, working for designer Nino Cerruti.
Armani met architect Sergio Galeotti while working for Cerruti, and the pair became romantic and business partners. The two co-founded the Giorgio Armani brand in 1975, with their first collection stocked at Barney’s New York in 1976, followed by a womenswear collection. Armani became synonymous with luxury and status after one of the brand’s suits was sported by Richard Gere in the 1980 film American Gigolo.. Armani became the sole shareholder of his company following Galeotti’s death in 1985 from complications linked to AIDS.
Armani’s death follows his absence from his brand’s show during Men’s Fashion Week in Milan, marking the first time he was not present to take a bow at the end of the presentation. The company said at the time that Armani was “recovering at home from an undisclosed condition,” but no further details were provided.
Armani is survived by his sister, nieces and nephew. A funeral chamber will be open to the public from Saturday, Sept. 6, to Sunday, Sept. 7, at Milan’s Armani Teatro; with a private funeral held afterwards, per the designer’s wishes.
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