MILAN. Giorgio Armani, the Italian fashion designer who placed Italy at the forefront of global fashion and became known for dressing Hollywood stars, has died at the age of 91, the Armani Group confirmed on Thursday.
“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” the company said in a statement. “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 widely recognized not only as a designer but also as a businessman, leading a company that generated about 2.3 billion euros ($2.7 billion) in annual revenue.
The designer had been unwell for some time and missed his group’s shows at Milan Men’s Fashion Week in June — the first time he was absent from one of his catwalk events.
Hollywood actress Julia Roberts, who famously wore an Armani suit at the 1990 Golden Globes, posted a photo with Armani on Instagram along with a broken heart emoji, writing: “A true friend. A legend.”
Mauro Barbieri, who worked for Armani in Milan for 32 years, described him as approachable and humble: “He would laugh with us and was really down to earth,” he told Reuters.
A funeral chamber will be opened in Milan on Saturday and Sunday to allow the public to pay their respects. His funeral will be held in private on Monday.
Known as “Re Giorgio” (King Giorgio) in Italy, Armani was deeply involved in every aspect of his business — from design to advertising and even last-minute adjustments before runway shows.
The company had been preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary during Milan Fashion Week this month with an exhibition and other events.
Leadership of the Armani Group is expected to continue under family members Silvana and Roberta Armani, nephew Andrea Camerana, and long-time associate Pantaleo Dell’Orco. However, his passing has raised questions about the company’s future.
Armani’s minimalist style, particularly his tailored jackets, was a breakthrough in the late 1970s and 1980s, especially among women in professional fields who embraced the balance of elegance and strength in his designs.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
