The legendary Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani has died, a spokesperson of the company he founded said on Thursday. He was 91.
“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” the fashion house said.
He “passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones,” it added. “Tireless, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, its collections, and the diverse and ever-evolving projects both existing and in progress.”
Armani founded his eponymous company in 1975, and it soon became a byword for sleek, understated style that “extended from fashion to every aspect of life,” as the statement put it.
Giorgio Armani: The “king of the unlined jacket”
A private and reserved individual, Armani was born in Piacenza, Italy, in 1934. He initially pursued a career in medicine before finding his true calling in the world of fashion. His journey began as a window dresser at a Milan department store, La Rinascente, and later as a designer for Nino Cerruti’s Hitman label. This early experience honed his eye for detail and his understanding of the commercial side of the industry, which would prove invaluable in building his own empire.
Armani’s aesthetic, characterized by its clean lines, neutral palettes, and impeccable tailoring, stood in stark contrast to the flamboyant trends of the 1970s and 80s. He became known as the “king of the unlined jacket,” a revolutionary concept that softened the rigid structure of traditional menswear.
This relaxed yet sophisticated approach resonated with a new generation of professionals and cemented his reputation as a master of modern elegance. His influence extended beyond the runway, as he dressed Hollywood’s elite, most notably creating the iconic wardrobe for Richard Gere in the 1980 film “American Gigolo.” This collaboration elevated his brand to international prominence and made his name synonymous with power and success.
In addition to his main line, Armani expanded his fashion house to include a diverse portfolio of brands, including Emporio Armani, Armani Exchange, and Armani Privé, his haute couture collection. His vision also extended into lifestyle products, with a line of home furnishings, hotels, and restaurants, all imbued with his signature sense of refined luxury.
A shrewd businessman, Armani maintained complete creative and financial control of his company throughout his life, a rare feat in an industry increasingly dominated by large conglomerates. His legacy is not just one of beautiful clothes, but of a singular vision that transformed the landscape of global fashion and a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft.
Related: Fashion Designer Giorgio Armani in Mykonos Holiday
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