Italian Fashion Icon Giorgio Armani Dies at 91, Leaves Global Legacy

Giorgio Armani, the iconic Italian fashion designer known for revolutionizing menswear and womenswear with his minimalist and elegant designs, has passed away at the age of 91. Armani, who founded his fashion house in 1975 with Sergio Galeotti and built a global brand turning over approximately €2.3 billion annually, worked tirelessly until his final days and was a pioneering force in fashion, introducing the unstructured jacket and the power suit for women. His brand expanded beyond clothing into accessories, fragrances, home furnishings, and hospitality, making Armani a symbol of timeless luxury. Despite his global success, Armani kept his personal life private but revealed in a rare 2024 interview that he felt indifferent to love following the loss of his longtime partner Galeotti, who died from an AIDS-related illness in 1985. Armani's legacy also includes his appreciation for Indian craftsmanship, which influenced his designs after his 1994 visit to India. The Armani Group announced his passing with deep sorrow and has arranged a public funeral chamber in Milan, followed by a private ceremony.