Who Was Giorgio Armani? 10 Things About the Late Italian Fashion Legend
Giorgio Armani passed away on September 4, 2025. He was 91 years old.
by Kyla Villena
Published on Sep 5, 2025
Giorgio Armani peacefully passed away on September 4, 2025. In a statement, the Armani Group sorrowfully announced the news, highlighting the creator, founder, and designer’s persevering nature. “Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and the many ongoing and future projects.”
The entire fashion industry and beyond mourns Il Signor Armani’s passing, with fellow creative driving forces paying tribute to the icon. Donatella Versace conveyed, saying, “The world lost a giant today. He made history and will be remembered forever.”
Valentino Garavani echoed this with a statement that summarized Giorgio’s heart. “I mourn someone I have always considered a friend, never a rival. And I can only bow to his immense talent,” emphasizing Giorgio’s impact on the industry and “his unwavering loyalty to one style: his own.”
“There he was, wearing Armani on Sunday” is a line from Sex and the City that has become truly embedded in pop culture—one that is agreed on even by those who are uninitiated sartorially. It only summarizes the elegance, simplicity, and power of the brand, all rooted in its brilliant founder.
In mourning and in memory, we list down 10 facts about Giorgio Armani.
Who Was Giorgio Armani? 10 Things About the Late Italian Fashion Legend
He was 91 years old.
Giorgio was born in Piacenza, Italy on July 11, 1934 . This makes him 91 years old at the time of his passing.
He had a five-decade long career.
Together with Sergio Galeotti, Giorgio founded the brand in Milan back in 1975. They started with a revolutionary menswear collection, where he made a structured jacket flow as light as a cardigan. A year later, they introduced a take on womenswear that was nothing short of sophisticated.
He’s a red carpet favorite.
No Hollywood gathering is ever complete without an A-lister strutting in a fabulous Armani ensemble. Giorgio stayed closely linked to cinematic glamor, with each creation serving as a masterclass in dressing for the red carpet.
He is known as “The King.”
Industry admirers deemed him “Re Giorgio” or “King George.” As one of the world’s top designers, his name became inseparable with Italian style.
He championed accessibility through sub-brands.
Giorgio’s namesake brand sits at the heart of the Armani Group, being its flagship line that showcases their signature tailoring. The designer also ventured into haute couture with Armani Privé inching closer to exclusive luxury.
With a heart for fashion as a whole, he also established the modern Emporio Armani that catered to young and trendy crowds. Armani Exchange also proved that he was not confined to a singular style, being a brand that leaned more towards streetwear and carried accessible price points in comparison.
He had giant ventures beyond fashion.
Giorgio built a fashion empire, but his entrepreneurial instincts led him to go further. From stepping into the food and beverage industry with Armani Caffe, to entering the world of cosmetics with Armani Beauty, he constantly expanded and translated his penchant for all things fine and timeless. There is also the Armani / Privē Club and the Armani Hotel to name a few more, turning his taste into a full-fledged lifestyle.
He advocated for many causes.
In 2016, Giorgio further proved that he evolves with the times as he declared that he will stop using animal fur in the creations from all of his brands, given that technological processes no longer justify doing so. And when Armani Beauty was founded in 2010, he committed to providing universal access to drinking water through the initiative Acqua for Life. The project has helped over 800,000 people get access to clean water since then.
He was an approachable icon.
For someone of his status, you would think it would be difficult and impossible to reach him. But Giorgio was known for talking to people who would approach him in stores or in events, going as far as posing for selfies.
His cause of death was not disclosed.
The Italian icon had canceled and missed shows early this year due to unspecified health concerns. The cause of his passing was not disclosed, but according to the Armani Group, he “passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.”
He will have a private funeral.
Giorgio explicitly wished for his funeral to be held privately, which will be followed. However, the public can pay respects through the funeral chamber that will be set up in Milan at Via Bergognone 59 inside the Armani/Teatro from September 6 to 7, 2025.
Rest in peace, Giorgio Armani.
Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.
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