Fashion Icon Giorgio Armani Passes Away at 91

The Italian fashion designer and billionaire brand owner Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91.

He was the archetype of Italian style and elegance, reimagining men's and women's suits for a modern audience.

His company Armani expanded from fashion into an empire spanning beauty, fragrance, music, sport and even luxury hotels, bringing in more than £2bn a year.

Donatella Versace paid tribute to the late designer on her Instagram page, posting a picture of him, saying: The world lost a giant today, he made history and will be remembered forever.

In a statement on the brand's Instagram page, it said Armani worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections and the many ongoing future projects. It also said he was indefatigable to the end and driven by relentless curiosity and a deep attention to the present and to people.

Armani was a pioneer in many ways, elevating red carpet fashion to what we see today. He was also the first designer to ban underweight models from the runway, after the death of model Ana Carolina Reston in 2006 from anorexia nervosa. A friend of Hollywood, he understood the power of publicity and dressed some of its biggest stars for the red carpet including for the Oscars - including Zendaya, Cate Blanchett and Julia Roberts.

Even as he entered his 10th decade, Armani continued to present new collections on the French and Italian catwalks. His March 2025 show was designed to make a statement on global politics, expressing a desire for new harmony in today’s world.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also paid tribute, saying: With his elegance, sobriety, and creativity, he was able to bring lustre to Italian fashion and inspire the entire world. An icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best of Italy. Thank you for everything.

His legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of fashion and will continue to influence generations to come. Armani's journey from a medical career to becoming a fashion powerhouse began in the 1960s, culminating in the establishment of his own label in 1975, marking a significant milestone in fashion history.

Giorgio Armani is survived by his celebrated designs, an iconic brand, and a profound impact on fashion that will resonate for years to come.