Giorgio Armani was the colossus of the fashion world who ruled the red carpet… but never courted the limelight himself

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He passed away as the wealthiest designer globally, yet more significantly, he was greatly admired and held in high esteem at the time of his death.

As a connoisseur of lifestyle and design, I can’t help but reflect on the towering figure that was Giorgio Armani, who gracefully departed at the age of 91, enveloped by the love of his family. Despite his modest 5 ft 8 in stature, he loomed large within the realm of fashion, a testament to the enduring influence and profound impact he had on the industry.

For five decades, he made a lasting impact on the fashion industry. In the 1980s, he revolutionized office wear for both men and women. He also introduced the idea of ‘stealth wealth’ in the 1990s, and ruled the red carpet until his final days.

He adorned some of the most illustrious celebrities from that era, such as Diane Keaton, Jodie Foster, Michelle Pfeiffer, Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, Beyoncé, Zendaya, and Cate Blanchett with their wardrobes.

But his influence extended far beyond the red carpet. 

Over time, his designs graced several iconic films; he outfitted Richard Gere for American Gigolo (1980), dressed Robert De Niro in Goodfellas (1990), and Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013).

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In various notable movies throughout the years, his designs appeared; he styled Richard Gere for American Gigolo (1980), Robert De Niro for Goodfellas (1990) and Leonardo DiCaprio for The Wolf of Wall Street (2013).

He stood out as both the most accomplished Italian fashion designer ever and the most prosperous businessman, owning all shares of a business empire that extended well beyond the runway.

Through relentless determination and ambition, he held leadership roles at various fashion lines under the Giorgio Armani brand, including Emporio Armani for menswear, Armani Exchange for its diffusion line, and later introduced a high-end couture line, Armani Privé, in 2005.

As a devoted aficionado, I’ve been captivated by the innovative approach of brand extension, and I proudly claim to be among its earliest adopters. My passion has led me to establish an array of extensions under the Armani umbrella – from the luxurious ambiance of Armani Casa and Armani Beauty, to the indulgent retreats offered by Armani Hotels and Resorts. I’ve even expanded my influence into the world of art exhibitions, live music performances, sporting events, and tantalizing chocolates.

Among all the encounters I’ve had with him, the one that stands out most vividly is from 2011. This was when he generously agreed to an interview as a special occasion for the debut of the Armani Hotel – a remarkable Milanese establishment he meticulously designed down to every detail, as per his usual precision.

In the room with a beige theme before our scheduled gathering, I observed that not only were we organized but even the Nespresso pods were neatly arranged in a color-matched fashion.

This embodied classic Armani style, as he paid meticulous attention to every tiny detail. During our meeting, there were eight others present, among them a translator.

As everyone’s nerves heightened, Mr. Armani made his entrance, sporting a crisp white shirt and a navy suit, paired with immaculate white sneakers (I noted in my notebook that they were rather tiny).

He was tanned, his blue eyes even more piercing in the flesh. 

Three well-placed champagne glasses were set before us, however, he chose not to imbibe, sharing that his fondness for the odd glass of wine was curtailed by a liver issue about three years back.

I commented on how well-built he looks for his age, inquired if he frequents the gym, and he responded with: “I exercise daily for about an hour and a half, including aerobics and meditation.

As the interview unfolded and he grew more comfortable, there seemed to be a sense of ease in the room that mirrored his demeanor. He expressed admiration for Vivienne Westwood, whom he considered an eccentric genius; Alexander McQueen, whom he thought was exceptionally skilled; and Tom Ford, whom he described as both brave and adept at self-promotion.

As an ardent admirer, I couldn’t help but express my appreciation for the Princess of Wales. Her style, in my opinion, is remarkably uncomplicated – a quality that truly captivates me. And let me tell you, her striking visage certainly doesn’t hurt either! It’s one of those profiles that simply draws you in.

According to writer Joan Didion, Armani exhibited an understated personality, preferring to watch and learn rather than readily share opinions, finding his greatest expression through his designs in clothing.

As a connoisseur of personal style, I find myself reflecting on my affinity for blue hues, a color choice that has become synonymous with my wardrobe over the years. When I sat down with the esteemed New York Times in 2023, I couldn’t quite pinpoint when this love affair with blue began – it feels as though it’s always been part of me.

I selected it due to its alignment with my practical and reserved nature, and also for the benefit it offers to my colleagues.

‘They focus their attention on my actions and my words, not on what I wear.’

Yesterday, Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s prime minister, was one of the first to express condolences. In her tribute on platform X, she stated, ‘He had an uncanny ability to infuse elegance, simplicity, and ingenuity into Italian fashion, capturing the hearts of people worldwide.’

‘An icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best of Italy. Thank you for everything.’

With profound sadness, Armani Group shares the news of the passing of their visionary creator, founder, and relentless motivator.

Mr. Armani, affectionately referred to by staff and colleagues with respect and admiration, passed away peacefully, enveloped by his cherished family members.

Until the very end, he was tireless in his efforts. He spent all his remaining days working for the company, managing its collections, and continually planning new and upcoming ventures.

Through the passage of time, Giorgio Armani has developed a comprehensive vision that has transcended just fashion, instead encompassing all aspects of life. His foresight and practicality have consistently been ahead of their time.

He has been driven by relentless curiosity and a deep attention to the present and to people.

Today, we’re deeply moved by the absence of the person who built and cultivated this organization with fervor, zeal, and commitment. Throughout our journey here, we’ve always felt like valued members of a cherished family.

Undeniably, family held a significant place in Armani’s life. Although he didn’t have any children of his own, he was incredibly fond of his nieces, Roberta and Silvana, as well as his nephew, Andrea. All three are actively involved in the Armani Group, making them an integral part of his professional family too.

Together with Rosanna, Armani’s sibling who is 86 years old, they are viewed as potential inheritors of a business valued at approximately $12.1 billion (around £9 billion).

A fortune can never compensate for the loss of a person who, in their lifetime, expressed that their greatest regret was dedicating too much time to work at the expense of spending quality time with loved ones.

Despite his deteriorating health, he continued to serve as both the CEO and creative director of his company until his passing, demonstrating a relentless commitment to work.

Until the very end, he remained conscious of himself, and in a recent interview published in the Financial Times over the weekend, he candidly acknowledged that his main flaw was an excessive need for control, asserting that he controlled everything.

Yet, his independence was not only a defining trait but also his most potent asset. Time and again, Armani faced proposals for investment – from private equity firms and grand luxury corporations alike. However, he consistently chose to maintain the personal ownership of his business, highlighting his steadfast commitment to independence.

For decades, his decision served him well. 

Despite experiencing a dip in profits over the past few years, Armani Group continues to be one of the most thriving private fashion conglomerates ever, boasting a staggering revenue of €2.45 billion (£2.12 billion) and a net profit of €215 million (£186 million) in 2023.

Instead of relying on family ties for his success, Armani constructed his empire independently. Originating from the Northern Italian town of Piacenza, he pursued a medical education at the University of Milan but departed in 1953 to enlist in the military.

Following two years of service, he switched professions. In the year 1957, he began working as a window decorator at a Milan department store, and later moved to the men’s clothing section.

During the late 1960s, he established both a personal and a professional bond with Sergio Galeotti, which endured for many years to come.

Supported by Galeotti, he established Giorgio Armani in the year 1975, liquidating his Volkswagen Beetle to gather resources for his aspirations.

In just a short while after turning 40, his long-held dreams started to materialize at a breathtaking pace. By the year 1982, he graced the cover of Time Magazine, earning the title ‘The King’, and boasting an impressive revenue of $135 million (approximately £101 million).

Among the numerous styles he’s developed throughout his career, his deepest enthusiasm was for tailored suits, and an aesthetic influenced by the loose, comfortable style of Neapolitan tailoring characterized by its soft shoulders.

Clothes were flowing, layers were sparse, and there was a buzz as both men and women eagerly sought out the sophisticated update on business wear that he had created.

His suits were timeless, as befitted a man who hated trends.

Occasionally, his disdain for certain styles could lead to unexpected moments on the runway. He didn’t care at all about the fad of skinny jeans; if he preferred to present harem pants, that’s exactly what he’d do.

Regardless of whether it was trendy to wear ruffles, sheer materials, bright fuchsia, or exposed sideboobs, a woman wearing Armani would consistently emanate a subtle sophistication and grace on the red carpet.

He quickly understood the significant worth of publicity on red carpets and intentionally sought out interactions with the most prominent celebrities.

At the 1990 Academy Awards, he styled five prominent celebrities of that era, among them Jodie Foster in a fashionable pantsuit, Michelle Pfeiffer in an elegant navy velvet gown, and most notably, Julia Roberts in a sleek beige dress that she wore without a bra.

The following day, Women’s Wear Daily dubbed the event the ‘Armani Awards’.

His sister, Rosanna, along with her son, Andrea, Roberta (Sergio’s daughter), and Silvana (also Sergio’s daughter) are those who carry on after him.

In 2016, a foundation was established with the aim of safeguarding the company’s stability, however, it did not provide solutions for the complex matter of future leadership transitions.

The impending 50th anniversary celebration for Armani, scheduled during Milan Fashion Week, would have been marked by much fanfare. However, his unexpected passing will create a void that extends beyond just an empty calendar slot.

It leaves a gaping hole in the fashion firmament that can never be filled.

This coming weekend, a mourning hall is being prepared in Milan, specifically at Via Bergognone 59, within Armani Teatro – a unique exhibition venue designed by him, for this purpose.

His funeral will be held privately, in accordance with his explicit wishes.

In death, as in life, Il Signor Armani’s privacy endures.

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2025-09-05 04:07