Giorgio Armani Dies at 91: Farewell to the King of Italian Fashion
Official Confirmation of Disappearance
Giorgio Armani died today, Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the age of 91. The news, initially reported by the ANSA news agency at 4:45 PM, was immediately confirmed by the Armani Group in an official statement published on the company's social media channels and sent to major international news agencies.
The designer passed away peacefully at his Milanese residence on Via Borgonuovo , the historic home in the heart of the Fashion District where he had lived for over forty years. According to sources close to the family, Armani was surrounded by his loved ones at the time of his passing, which occurred in the early hours of the afternoon.
Confirmation of his death has come from a range of authoritative sources, including:
- ANSA : First agency to report the news at 4:45 PM
- Reuters and Bloomberg : International confirmation at 5:00 PM
- CNN International : Breaking news with special edition
- Il Sole 24 Ore : Confirmation from the Italian economic world
- Armani Group : Official announcement at 5:30 p.m.
The Last Days of Giorgio Armani
Contrary to what one might think, Giorgio Armani worked until the last days of his life , demonstrating the total dedication to fashion that had always distinguished him. Company sources reveal that as recently as Tuesday, September 2, just two days before his death, the designer had participated in a video conference with the creative team to discuss the Spring/Summer 2026 collection.
— Official Press Release from the Armani Group
The designer's final days were marked by progressive physical weakness, but his mind remained clear until the end. His personal physician, Dr. Alberto Zangrillo of the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, confirmed that his death was due to natural causes related to his advanced age.
The Family and Company Statement
The official statement from the Armani Group, signed by CEO Leo Dell'Orco and the board of directors, reads:
"It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our founder and chairman, Giorgio Armani. The Maestro passed away peacefully in his home in Milan, surrounded by his loved ones. His revolutionary vision forever transformed the world of fashion, creating an unmistakable style that made Italy a leading figure in global elegance. His innovative spirit and dedication will continue to guide our company, upholding the values he instilled in us."
His niece Roberta Armani , considered the designer's spiritual heir, added touching words: "Uncle Giorgio was not only a fashion genius, but a man of extraordinary humanity. He taught us that elegance is not ostentation, but respect for oneself and for others."
Reactions from the Fashion World
The news of Giorgio Armani's death profoundly shocked the international fashion world. Reactions were immediate and unanimous in acknowledging the Italian designer's greatness.
The Words of the Greats of Fashion
- Anna Wintour (Vogue): "Giorgio Armani redefined the very concept of elegance. His influence on fashion has been revolutionary and lasting."
- Miuccia Prada : "We have lost a giant. Giorgio was a visionary who brought Italian fashion to the world."
- Donatella Versace : "A very sad day for Italian fashion. Giorgio was an absolute master."
- Maria Grazia Chiuri (Dior): "Her luxurious minimalism has influenced generations of designers."
The Institutional World
President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella declared: "With Giorgio Armani, a symbol of Italian excellence in the world has disappeared. His creative genius helped make Made in Italy synonymous with elegance and quality."
Milan's Mayor Giuseppe Sala declared a day of mourning: "Milan has lost one of its most illustrious sons. Giorgio Armani was not just a designer, but an ambassador for our city around the world. I declare a day of mourning to honor his memory."
The Last Months: Signs of Fragility
Chronology of the Last Months
His closest collaborators had noticed a gradual slowdown in his activities, but the designer continued to personally oversee every creative aspect of the collections. "He didn't want to give up; fashion was his life," confided a longtime collaborator who requested anonymity.
The Last Interview: The Prophetic Words
In his last interview with the Financial Times in August 2025, Giorgio Armani made statements that sound prophetic today:
He also spoke about the future of his empire: "The company is ready to continue without me. I have prepared everything with obsessive care. My name and my vision will live on through the people I have trained."
The passage where he spoke about death was particularly touching: "I'm not afraid of the end. I've lived an extraordinary life, I've realized dreams I didn't even dare imagine when I was a boy from Piacenza. The only thing that saddens me is not being able to see where fashion will lead in the next fifty years."
The Legacy of Giorgio Armani
Revolution in Fashion
Giorgio Armani leaves a monumental legacy in the world of fashion:
- Inventor of Power Dressing : She revolutionized women's clothing in the 1980s with unstructured suits that empowered career women.
- Pioneer of Casual Chic : He popularized informal elegance, making the mix between formal and casual acceptable.
- Master of Minimalism : His essential and refined style has influenced generations of designers.
- Red Carpet Innovator : He dressed Hollywood's biggest stars, redefining cinematic glamour.
The Economic Empire
The Armani Group, valued at over 3 billion euros , includes:
- 11 clothing lines
- Over 2,700 stores in 60 countries
- 8,000 direct employees
- An annual turnover of over 2.3 billion euros (2024)
Beyond Fashion
Armani's influence extended far beyond clothing:
- Armani Hotels : Luxury and design in exclusive locations
- Armani/Casa : Furniture and Lifestyle
- Giorgio Armani Foundation : Support for art, culture, and medical research
- Armani/Silos : Museum dedicated to his work and fashion
Essential Biography: A Life in Fashion
Giorgio Armani was born on July 11, 1934, into a middle-class family in Piacenza. After abandoning his medical studies, he entered the fashion world almost by chance, working as a window dresser at La Rinascente in Milan.
The Key Stages
- 1957 : He began working in the fashion world as a window dresser
- 1964 : Becomes assistant designer to Nino Cerruti
- 1975 : Founds Giorgio Armani SpA with Sergio Galeotti
- 1980 : Signs contract to dress Richard Gere in "American Gigolo"
- 1982 : First designer on the cover of Time after Christian Dior
- 2000 : The first Armani Hotel opens in Dubai
- 2015 : Celebrates 40 years of career with an exhibition at the Royal Palace
- 2020 : During the pandemic, it converts factories to produce medical gowns
- 2025 : He dies at 91, leaving behind a global empire.
The Future of the Armani Group
Giorgio Armani's succession had been carefully planned. Control of the company will pass to the Giorgio Armani Foundation , ensuring the empire remains independent and faithful to the founder's vision.
Leo Dell'Orco , current CEO, will continue to lead the commercial side, while the creative direction will be entrusted to a team that includes:
- Granddaughter Roberta Armani
- The historic creative director Silvana Armani
- A committee of senior designers personally trained by Armani
The company has already announced that the next Milan fashion show (September 2025) will be entirely dedicated to the memory of the founder, with a retrospective of his most iconic works.