Beloved Worldwide Icon Passes Away

Legendary fashion designer Giorgio Armani has passed away at the 91, according to a statement released by the Armani Group on Thursday.

“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” the statement read. It also revealed that the fashion icon was “surrounded by his loved ones” when he died.

“Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections and many ongoing and future projects,” the company continued.

Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, released comments mourning the loss of Armani, saying he was “a symbol of the best of Italy.”

“With his elegance, sobriety, and creativity, he was able to bring luster to Italian fashion and inspire the entire world. An icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best of Italy. Thank you for everything,” Meloni said in a post on X.

Armani’s earnings are said to be around $2.7 billion a year. Reuters reported that Armani had been in poor health for some time. He even had to drop out of his company’s shows during Milan’s Men’s Fashion Week in June, the first time he had done so.

“Over the years, Giorgio Armani has crafted a vision that expanded from fashion to every aspect of life, anticipating the times with extraordinary clarity and pragmatism. He has been driven by relentless curiosity and a deep attention to the present and to people. Along this journey, he established an open dialogue with the public, becoming a beloved and respected figure for his ability to connect with everyone,” the company went on to say in a different post on Instagram.

“Armani’s fashion legacy started in 1975 when he, along with Sergio Galeotti, established Giorgio Armani S.p.A. Just a few years later, in 1978, Armani dressed Diane Keaton when she won an Oscar for Best Actress for her role in the Woody Allen classic ‘Annie Hall.’ This was only the beginning of Armani dressing major stars,” Fox Business reported.

In a post of his own published on Instagram, Armani said, “The mark I hope to leave is one of commitment, respect and genuine care for people and for reality. That’s where everything truly begins.”

Armani’s company also announced that a funeral chamber would be set up in the city of Milan on Saturday and Sunday. The funeral will be held in private as requested by Armani in his final wishes.