Legendary Italian fashion designer and billionaire Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91.
Gatekeepers News reports that his company announced the news on Thursday, noting that he passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family.
Armani, who had been unwell, was notably absent from Milan’s Men’s Fashion Week in June, the first time in his career he missed one of his own runway shows.
In a statement written in Italian, shared on Instagram, the Armani Group said, “With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani. Il Signor Armani, as he was always respectfully and admiringly called by employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.”
“Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and the many ongoing and future projects. Over the years, Giorgio Armani has crafted a vision that expanded from fashion to every aspect of life, anticipating the times with extraordinary clarity and pragmatism.”
Armani Group described him as driven by relentless curiosity and a deep attention to the present and to people, noting that he maintained an open dialogue with the public, supported Milan, and upheld independence of thought and action as his hallmark.
His funeral rites will be held privately, though Armani Group announced that the public may pay their respects from Saturday, September 6, to Sunday, September 7, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., at Via Bergognone 59, inside the Armani/Teatro in Milan.
