MILAN – Giorgio Armani, the visionary designer and founder of the eponymous global fashion empire, has died at the age of 91. The Armani Group announced his passing in a statement signed by ‘the employees and his family.’
“It is with infinite sorrow that the Armani Group announces the death of its creator, founder, and tireless guiding force: Giorgio Armani,” the statement read. “Mr. Armani, as he was always called with respect and admiration by employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. Indefatigable, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and the many diverse and ever-evolving projects in progress.”
The tribute highlighted his profound impact, stating that over the years, Armani “created a vision that expanded from fashion to every aspect of living, anticipating the times with extraordinary lucidity and practicality.” It credited his “inexhaustible curiosity” and “attention for the present and for people,” noting that his open dialogue with the public made him a beloved and respected figure.
The company affirmed its commitment to continue his legacy, calling the firm a reflection of his distinctive ethos of independence in thought and action. “In this company, we have always felt like part of a family,” the statement continued. “Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by the one who founded this family and made it grow with vision, passion, and dedication. It is in his spirit that we, the employees and the family members who always worked alongside Mr. Armani, commit to protecting what he built and to carrying forward his company in his memory, with respect, responsibility, and love.”
A public viewing will be held at the Armani/Teatro on Via Bergognone 59 in Milan from Saturday, September 6th, to Sunday, September 7th, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In accordance with Armani’s wishes, the funeral on Monday, September 8th, will be private.
In response, Milan’s Mayor, Giuseppe Sala, proclaimed a day of citywide mourning for the funeral, calling the designer “one of the greatest representatives of Italian and Milanese fashion in the world” whose “creative gaze, active participation, and support for our city will be missed.”
In a further mark of respect, the Italian national basketball team will wear black armbands during their European Championship match against Cyprus in mourning for Giorgio Armani, as announced by the president of the Italian Basketball Federation.