The world of fashion is in mourning following the passing of legendary Italian designer Giorgio Armani, who died peacefully on Thursday, September 4, at the age of 91. The Armani Group confirmed the news, stating that "Il Signor Armani," as he was reverently known among peers and collaborators, passed away "surrounded by his loved ones." A visionary and innovator, Armani leaves behind not only a globally recognized brand but also a philosophy of timeless elegance that reshaped both fashion and red-carpet culture.
The Armani Group, in a heartfelt statement, described the designer as “a tireless driving force” and reaffirmed their commitment to “protecting what he built and carrying his company forward in his memory, with respect, responsibility, and love.” For decades, Armani stood at the intersection of luxury and innovation, redefining what it meant to dress with purpose, poise, and Italian flair.
Tributes from Around the World
As news of Armani’s passing spread, a wave of tributes poured in from celebrities, designers, and admirers across the globe. Bollywood star Sonam Kapoor, who has long been a fixture at international fashion events, took to Instagram to share throwback photos with the late designer, including a moment with husband Anand Ahuja and Armani himself. “Thank you Mr Armani, you will be missed,” she wrote, encapsulating the sentiment echoed worldwide.
Victoria Beckham, designer and former Spice Girl, posted an emotional tribute: “The fashion world has lost a true legend… I feel honoured to have called him a friend.” Her words were joined by those of Demi Moore, who worked closely with Armani on her awards season looks. “He helped bring Elisabeth’s sparkle to life… We will miss you dearly, Mr. Armani,” she shared, referencing her daughter and the intimate collaboration they shared over the past year.
Even Armani’s longtime business rival, Donatella Versace, took a moment to honor the late designer: “The world lost a giant today. He made history and will be remembered forever.”
A Designer Who Dressed Generations
Few designers can claim the kind of enduring relevance Armani achieved. Julia Roberts, whose iconic 1990 Golden Globes grey suit was designed by Armani, paid tribute by sharing a nostalgic photo and writing, “A true friend. A legend.” Her connection to the designer was more than just sartorial—it was personal.
Russell Crowe reflected on his own Armani origin story, recounting how a producer sent him to an Armani store before the L.A. Confidential premiere at Cannes in 1997. “That began a love affair with Armani suits that continues to this day,” he wrote, noting how “so many significant moments” in his life were marked by the designer’s impeccable tailoring.
The Man Behind the Label
Beyond his sleek tailoring and minimalist aesthetic, Giorgio Armani was a deeply private yet fiercely committed creative. He launched Armani in 1975 and forever altered the fashion landscape with his unstructured suits, redefining power dressing for both men and women. His impact stretched far beyond runways, infiltrating Hollywood, sports, architecture, and even global philanthropy.
Known for curating a quintessentially Italian aesthetic—refined, restrained, yet emotionally resonant—Armani elevated red carpet dressing into a statement of elegance and identity. He became a global icon not just for his designs, but for his vision of fashion as a form of cultural storytelling.
"Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion, and dedication," read the Armani Group’s tribute. And indeed, a void is exactly what remains—for the fashion world, for his countless admirers, and for the legacy he so meticulously built.
Rest in power, Il Signor Armani.