Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian fashion designer, died on September 4, 2025, at his home in Milan at the age of 91.
Known for revolutionizing fashion with elegant, minimalist suits, he built a £9bn empire that dressed Hollywood stars and shaped global style.
The Armani Group announced his peaceful passing, surrounded by loved ones, and tributes flood in from celebrities and leaders.
As fans mourn, questions arise about who will inherit his vast business.
This news touches Europe and the UK, where his influence remains strong, as of 12:07 PM IST on Friday, September 5, 2025.
Life and Career Highlights
Born in Piacenza, Italy, on July 11, 1934, Armani started as a medical student but switched to fashion after a part-time job as a window dresser in Milan.
He launched his label in 1975 with partner Sergio Galeotti, introducing soft tailoring that redefined menswear and empowered women in the workplace.
His designs, seen in films like *American Gigolo* and worn by stars like Richard Gere and Diane Keaton, became synonymous with timeless elegance.
The empire grew to include Emporio Armani, Armani Privé, hotels, and sports apparel, generating over £2bn annually.
Despite health issues, he worked remotely until his final days, overseeing the Spring 2025 collection.
Armani earned honors like the French Legion of Honour and Italy’s Order of Merit for Labour.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called him “an icon of Italian creativity,” while Donatella Versace said, “The world lost a giant.”
His last public act included a July 2025 Paris couture show directed from home, reflecting his dedication.
Tributes from Stars and Industry
Celebrities and peers flooded social media with praise. Russell Crowe shared, “I adored him… so many moments in Armani suits,” recalling their 1997 Cannes meeting.
Anna Wintour hailed his understanding of “power and elegance,” while Julia Roberts thanked him for “elegant determination.”
Martin Scorsese, who collaborated on *Casino* and *The Wolf of Wall Street*, called him “a real artist.”
Fans on X echo this, with one posting, “Giorgio Armani’s elegance will live forever.”
His influence spans red carpets, sports uniforms, and even Olimpia Milano basketball team ownership.
The Succession Question
Armani’s £9bn fortune and company lack a clear heir, raising speculation.
Valued at £8-10bn by Bloomberg, the business remains independent, resisting conglomerates like LVMH.
In a 2024 Corriere della Sera interview, he planned a “gradual transition” to trusted aides like Leo Dell’Orco and family members Andrea Camerana and Roberta Armani.
A 2025 Financial Times piece revealed his regret over work-life balance but no firm succession plan.
NDTV notes potential beneficiaries include his nephew and niece, though legal details stay private.
The upcoming 50th-anniversary show on September 28 may hint at future leadership.
Funeral and Milan’s Tribute
Armani’s funeral will be private on September 8, 2025, per his wishes.
A public chamber opens September 6-7 at Armani/Teatro in Milan, where fans can pay respects.
Milan declares September 8 a civic day of mourning, with Mayor Giuseppe Sala calling him “a global ambassador of Italian fashion.”
The city plans to honor his legacy with events, reflecting his deep ties to Milan.
Impact and Next Steps
Armani’s death marks the end of an era, but his style endures in vintage markets and modern designs.
The Armani Group pledges to uphold his vision, with exhibitions at Pinacoteca di Brera and Armani/Archivio launching soon.
As investigations into his health decline continue, his empire’s future remains a hot topic.
Stay tuned for more updates!