Tributes pour in as Giorgio Armani, legendary fashion designer, dies at 91: 'Titan of the industry'

MILAN, ITALY: Giorgio Armani, the iconic Italian fashion designer who dressed Hollywood stars and world leaders, has died at the age of 91.

On Thursday, September 4, his fashion house confirmed that Armani "passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones."

Giorgio Armani remembered for shaping global fashion legacy

The statement said that Giorgio Armani "worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and the many ongoing and future projects."

In a statement on Instagram, the brand added, "In this company, we have always felt like part of a family. Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion, and dedication."

It continued, "But it is precisely in his spirit that we, the employees and the family members who have always worked alongside Mr Armani, commit to protecting what he built and to carrying his company forward in his memory, with respect, responsibility, and love."

The company announced that a funeral chamber will be set up on Saturday and Sunday in Milan, followed by a private funeral.

Giorgio Armani leaves behind timeless elegance

Known as "Re Giorgio" and "King Giorgio," Giorgio Armani dressed Hollywood stars and world leaders throughout his career.

His fashion empire, which began with the Giorgio Armani label in 1975, grew to include Armani Prive, Emporio Armani, and Armani Exchange.

Born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, Italy, to Maria Raimondi and Ugo Armani, he expanded his brand into beauty, fragrance, sport, music, and even luxury hotels. Armani also pioneered change on the runway, becoming the first designer to ban underweight models after the death of model Ana Carolina Reston in 2006.

He worked closely with Hollywood, designing red carpet looks for Zendaya, Cate Blanchett, and Julia Roberts, stage outfits for Lady Gaga, and costumes for films such as 'American Gigolo' and 'The Wolf of Wall Street'.

Russell Crowe and Julia Roberts pay tribute to Giorgio Armani

Russell Crowe detailed how his "love affair" with Armani suits started and remembered the legendary designer as a man who "made a mark acknowledged around the globe."

He said in a thread on X (formerly Twitter) that he "adored" Armani and was meant to be seeing him this month, adding that the designer was there for "so many significant moments in my life."

Julia Roberts shared a photo of herself with Armani on Instagram, writing, "A true friend. A legend," followed by a heartbreak emoji.

Vogue editor Laura Ingham described him as a "true gentleman" and "titan of the industry."

She, as per BBC, said, "If you don't know anything about fashion, you'll still know Giorgio Armani. Mr Armani built a house synonymous with timeless Italian elegance and enduring style."

Ingham highlighted his "refined silhouettes" and "immaculate tailoring," adding that "his legacy is woven not only into fashions past and present but will continue to shape its future for generations to come."

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also honored Armani, saying, "With his elegance, sobriety, and creativity, he was able to bring lustre to Italian fashion and inspire the entire world. An icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best of Italy. Thank you for everything."

Donatella Versace paid tribute to the late designer on her Instagram page, posting a picture of him, saying, "The world lost a giant today, he made history and will be remembered forever."

Giorgio Armani planned for succession in his final days

Giorgio Armani’s health had been in decline for some time, and for the first time in his career, he was forced to miss his group’s shows at Milan Men’s Fashion Week in June.

Just days before his death, Armani detailed his succession plans in an interview with the Financial Times.

He said, “My plans for succession consist of a gradual transition of the responsibilities that I have always handled to those closest to me... such as Leo Dell’Orco, the members of my family and the entire working team.”

Before skipping Milan in June, Armani, who was both creative director and CEO of the company, had never missed one of his catwalk events.

“I would like the succession to be organic and not a moment of rupture,” Armani added.

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