Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91, his company confirmed on Thursday. “With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” the fashion house said in a statement.
Giorgio Armani: Global Symbol of Italian Elegance
Armani was known worldwide for redefining modern Italian style. He combined the creativity of a designer with the sharp skills of a businessman. Under his leadership, the Armani brand grew into a global empire with an annual turnover of about €2.3 billion ($2.7 billion).
Illness and Last Days
The fashion legend had been unwell for some time. In June, he missed his group’s shows at Milan’s Men’s Fashion Week, marking the first time in his long career that he did not attend one of his catwalk events.
Nicknamed “Re Giorgio” (King Giorgio), Armani was famous for personally overseeing every detail of his collections. From designing clothes to checking advertisements and even fixing models’ hair before they walked the runway, Armani’s hands-on approach made him one of the most respected names in fashion.
Funeral Plans
The Armani Group announced that a funeral chamber will be set up in Milan on Saturday and Sunday for the public to pay their respects. A private funeral will follow at a later date.
