Global fashion icon Giorgio Armani dies at 91, but his legacy will live on

Giorgio Armani, renowned for transforming the fashion world with his innovative designs, has passed away in Milan at the age of 91. Armani, who was born in Piacenza on July 11, 1934, was a pivotal figure in fashion, celebrated for revolutionizing menswear by introducing a more relaxed and elegant style, Reuters reports. His deconstructed jackets, famously described, Reuters says, as combining the suppleness of a cardigan with the lightness of a shirt, redefined elegance. Over his five-decade career, Armani expanded his empire to include haute couture, perfumes, and interior design, becoming a global icon synonymous with Italian style.

Armani's foray into fashion was serendipitous. Starting at La Rinascente, a prestigious department store, he gained invaluable experience before joining Italian designer Nino Cerruti in the mid-1960s, Reuters describes. It was here that he experimented with jacket deconstruction, laying the groundwork for his future successes. By 1975, he launched his first menswear collection and soon gained immense popularity in Europe. According to Reuters, Armani's designs would later captivate Hollywood, beginning with Richard Gere's attire in "American Gigolo," solidifying his transatlantic appeal. This success extended to an exclusive women's boutique in Bergdorf Goodman, New York.

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Despite being a public figure, Armani fiercely protected his privacy while also serving as the chairman, CEO, and creative force behind his iconic brand. As reported by Reuters, the Armani company announced his passing without disclosing the cause of death. 

"He worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and the many ongoing and future projects," the company reportedly said. Armani was committed to his work until the end, recently discussing his plans to retire in a 2024 interview with Corriere della Sera, Reuters says.

According to WWD, his family and employees have expressed their commitment to continuing Armani's legacy, stating, "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. 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." 

Armani's impact on fashion and his dedication to his craft leave an indelible mark on the industry. His funeral will be held privately, in line with his personal wishes.