Oman today_ Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian fashion designer, has passed away at the age of 91.
He died on Thursday after a short illness, with concerns about his health emerging earlier this year when he was absent from Milan Fashion Week in June.
Born on July 11, 1934, in the city of Piacenza to a middle-class family, Armani moved to Milan in his teenage years. He initially pursued medicine, but his studies were cut short by compulsory military service. He later began working as a window dresser in a Milan department store, and through his acquaintance with Nino Cerruti and later his partnership with Sergio Galeotti, the global Armani brand was founded in 1975.
Armani’s rise to international fame began with designing Richard Gere’s wardrobe in the classic film American Gigolo (1980). He went on to design for more than 30 other films, including The Untouchables, Truth, and Elysium. On the red carpet, he became a favorite of major Hollywood stars such as Jodie Foster, Julia Roberts, Jessica Chastain, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Sophia Loren.
Today, the Armani fashion empire is valued at over $10 billion and directly employs more than 10,500 people. Its offerings extend far beyond clothing, encompassing eyewear, watches, jewelry, fragrances, interior design, and more.
The Venice Film Festival issued a statement calling him a “genius of Italian fashion.” Armani had a longstanding relationship with the festival, serving as a benefactor and appearing in 1990 at the premiere of Martin Scorsese’s documentary Made in Milan. At this year’s festival, stars including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Shailene Woodley, and Cate Blanchett appeared in Armani creations.
Armani never married and had no children, yet his influence and legacy in the world of fashion will remain everlasting.