Giorgio Armani, 91, dies; family and foundation poised to steer his fashion house

Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer who shaped modern, understated luxury and built one of fashion’s most influential independent empires, has died at 91, his company confirmed. He passed away in Milan on Thursday.

Armani had been unwell in recent months and, for the first time in his career, missed his own menswear shows during Milan Fashion Week in June. Tributes from political leaders, rival maisons and Hollywood stars poured in, hailing “Re Giorgio” as a defining force in style.

Questions now turn to the future of the closely held Armani Group. The designer created a foundation in 2016 to safeguard the brand’s values and governance; alongside it, longtime lieutenants and close relatives — including sister Rosanna, nieces Silvana and Roberta, nephew Andrea Camerana and trusted associate Pantaleo Dell’Orco — are expected to play key roles. Company bylaws activated after his death are designed to limit big acquisitions and delay any stock-market listing for several years. In 2024, the group generated roughly €2.3 billion in revenue and held significant cash reserves, underscoring its independence.

Armani co-founded the label with Sergio Galeotti in the 1970s and revolutionized tailoring with his relaxed, deconstructed jackets — a look that defined power dressing from boardrooms to red carpets.

A public funeral chamber will be open in Milan this weekend to allow mourners to pay their respects, followed by a private funeral in accordance with his wishes.