Italian fashion icon Giorgio Armani. ARMANI

Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani, one of the most influential figures in the industry, has died at the age of 91, the Armani Group announced on Thursday (September 4). “With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” according to the fashion house in a statement. Armani, often called “Re Giorgio” or King Giorgio, was synonymous with Italian elegance, pioneering a softer, more comfortable approach to luxury fashion that transformed global style. “I felt that people should be able to look smart and feel comfortable at the same time,” he once said. Born in Piacenza in 1934, Armani initially studied medicine before turning to fashion. By 1975, he launched his own label, and within years his designs had become a revolution. His fluid tailoring not only reshaped corporate wardrobes but also conquered Hollywood, with Richard Gere’s wardrobe in American Gigolo cementing Armani as a household name. Celebrities including Jodie Foster, Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett, George Clooney, and Leonardo DiCaprio would later embody his signature effortless chic. Armani was a visionary and often an early adopter. He was the first major designer to livestream his shows in 2007, among the first to challenge the use of ultra-thin models, and a long-time advocate of sustainability, incorporating recycled and organic fabrics into his collections before it became mainstream. Despite running an empire with revenues of around $2.7 billion, Armani never sold out to fashion conglomerates, keeping complete ownership of his group. His independence allowed him to expand his brand into hotels, furniture, restaurants, and lifestyle ventures — all marked by his understated elegance. Dubai remains central to this vision, with the Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa standing as a monument to his philosophy of refined luxury. Armani had been unwell for some time and missed Milan Men’s Fashion Week in June — the first time in his career he had skipped one of his shows. A funeral chamber will be open in Milan on Saturday and Sunday, with a private funeral to follow. ICA/CAM/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page