Fashion designer Giorgio Armani dies aged 91

Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani has died aged 91, the company said.

Armani, who dressed celebrities including Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Cate Blanchett and Lady Gaga, was famous for his relaxed tailoring.

He was one of the most influential and globally famous designers of the late 20th century.

A statement from the fashion house said: “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.”

Concern for his health was sparked when he missed Milan Fashion Week in June 2025 for the first time during the previews of Spring-Summer 2026 menswear.

Roberts, who made headlines when she wore Armani menswear to the Golden Globes in 1990, shared a photo of herself with the designer on Instagram.

She wrote: “A true friend. A Legend.” She added the heartbreak emoji.

Italian fashion designer Donatella Versace also paid tribute on Instagram and shared a photograph of Armani along with the caption: “The world lost a giant today. He made history and will be remembered forever.”

American model Cindy Crawford described the designer as a “master of his craft” in an Instagram post which featured photos of Crawford with the designer as well as two photos from an Armani shoot.

She said: “Heartbroken to hear about the passing of a legend, @giorgioarmani. A true master of his craft.”

Gladiator star Russell Crowe said he “adored” the designer and recalled the first time he wore an Armani suit.

He said: “1997 at the Cannes film festival, after my bag was lost in transit, LA Confidential producer Arnon Milchan sent me to the Armani store with a credit card to get a suit for the premiere. That began a love affair with Armani suits that continues to this day.

“Mr Armani has made a deep contribution, to fashion, to design, to popular culture. His energy, vision and finesse has made a mark acknowledged around the globe. I adored him. He was so kind. So many significant moments in my life, awards, wedding, Wimbledon… all in Armani.

“I have been looking forward to seeing him, plans were in place for Milan at the end of this month. Alas… What a life he had, from his beginnings to his glory. Grazie Giorgio vivrai sempre nel mio cuore.”

Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, also paid tribute, describing the designer as an “icon” and a symbol of the best of Italy.

The fashion designer and former Spice Girl, Victoria Beckham, who featured in an Armani underwear campaign with her husband Sir David Beckham in 2009, described the designer as a “visionary” in a story shared on Instagram.

She said: “The fashion world has lost a true legend in Giorgio Armani – a visionary designer whose legacy will live on forever.

“I feel honoured to have called him a friend.”

Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman also paid tribute to the late designer, sharing a post on Instagram with the caption: “On screen and off, in quiet moments and on the grandest stages, I have had the honor of wearing Armani. Today, we remember a man whose genius touched many lives and whose legacy of grace and timeless style will endure.”

Having initially studied medicine, Armani moved into fashion during the 1960s, and set up his own label alongside his partner Sergio Galeotti in 1975, which became known for luxury in both men’s and women’s wear.

The designer’s career spanned almost six decades, with his brand becoming a household name after its reinvention of power dressing gained global attention in 1980 when he dressed Richard Gere in American Gigolo.

A statement from his family and employees read: “In this company, we have always felt like part of a family. 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.”

Outside of fashion, his brand went on to launch fragrances, homeware, and even luxury hotels.

Armani continued working until his death, having directed a couture show in Paris, titled Noir Seduisant in July 2025, remotely from Milan due to a short illness.

The designer was no stranger to criticism during his career, making headlines in 2015 for comments about the dress of gay men, and in 2009, his company reached a financial settlement with Italian tax authorities regarding offshore subsidiaries, though no wrongdoing was admitted and no charges were filed.

Away from the brand, Armani was a keen sports fan, supporting Italian Serie A football team Inter Milan, and becoming owner of the Olimpia Milano basketball team.

Armani was awarded the French Legion of Honour and Italian Order of Merit for Labour for his work.

His funeral will be held privately according to his own wishes, and the funeral chamber will be set up from September 6 to September 7, and will be open from 9am to 6pm in Milan, at Via Bergognone 59, inside the Armani/Teatro.

Published: 04/09/2025 by Radio NewsHub