The famous Italian fashion house, which bears the name of its founder Giorgio Armani, announced on Thursday the death of the global designer at the age of 91, according to Reuters.

In an official statement, the house said: “With profound sadness and sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its founder and tireless driving force, Giorgio Armani.”

Armani was considered a symbol of contemporary Italian elegance, combining the refined taste of a designer with the acumen of a businessman, leading his company to achieve annual revenues of approximately €2.3 billion (around $2.7 billion).

? Who is Giorgio Armani

Armani built an empire that carries his personal signature, including haute couture and ready-to-wear fashion, fragrances, cosmetics, and luxury hotels. He was born in July 1934 in Piacenza, northern Italy, and spent his childhood during World War II. He briefly studied medicine before leaving it to pursue his passion for fabrics, colors, and lines in fashion.

In 1975, he launched his own brand, which revolutionized the fashion world. He became known for creating the “soft suit,” freeing men from traditional rigidity and providing a look that combines comfort with elegance. This style became a global reference, especially in Hollywood, where stars like Richard Gere wore his designs, turning the Armani suit into a symbol of confidence and charm.

Armani was not only a designer but also a brilliant businessman who insisted on maintaining full control of his company, rejecting major acquisition offers to stay true to his philosophy of creative freedom. Over the years, his brand expanded to include fragrances, furniture, decor, hotels, and the Armani/Silos museum in Milan, opened in 2015 to honor his career.

On a humanitarian level, Armani stood out during the COVID-19 pandemic by donating millions of euros to Italian hospitals and converting his company’s workshops to produce medical clothing, demonstrating that fashion can also be a social responsibility.

Even in his nineties, Armani remained actively involved in every show and initiative, holding fast to his motto: “Work is the best medicine,” remaining a living symbol of elegance, commitment, and creativity.