Renowned Italian designer Giorgio Armani died on Thursday at the age of 91 in Milan, surrounded by his family and Leo Dell’Orco, his partner of the last 20 years, his business group has announced. “It is with infinite sorrow that the Armani group announces the passing of its creator, founder and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani. Mr Armani, as he has always been called with respect and admiration by his employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones,” the fashion house said.

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Over the years, Giorgio Armani built a vision that expanded from fashion to all aspects of life. “Tireless, he worked until his last days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections and the various and ever-new projects in progress and under development,” the company added.

A few weeks ago, shortly before turning 91, a lung infection forced him to be hospitalised and convalesce at his home on Via Borgonuovo in Milan. This caused him to miss the haute couture men’s fashion show in June, something very unusual for Armani, who never left the workshops.

His family and employees will continue to run the Armani Group, respecting and upholding his values. The funeral chapel will be open from Saturday to Sunday, from 9am to 6pm, at the Armani Theatre in Milan. In accordance with Giorgio Armani’s express wishes, the funeral will be held privately.

Milan, 4 September 2025 – 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… pic.twitter.com/7lMIdpw5oX

— Armani (@armani) September 4, 2025

“In this company, we have always felt like part of a family. Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by the man who founded this family and made it grow with vision, passion and dedication,” reads the Armani Group’s statement. It adds that ‘it is precisely in his spirit’ that employees and family members are committed “to protecting what he has built and continuing his company in his memory, with respect, responsibility and love.”

“Re Giorgio” (King George), as he was nicknamed in Italy, was an absolute fashion legend, a universal icon of contemporary style. He placed women and their freedom at the centre and invented styles that were always characterised by their timeless elegance. The group emphasises that independence—in thought and action—was always the designer’s personal hallmark.

The designer’s death has shocked Italy, which bids farewell to its “icon” par excellence. “Giorgio Armani leaves us at the age of 91. With his elegance, sobriety and creativity, he brought prestige to Italian fashion and inspired the whole world. An icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best of Italy. Thank you for everything,” Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted on her social media accounts.

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A wave of messages of affection has poured in from the fashion world, including one from designer Donatella Versace, who mourned the loss of ‘a giant’ who ‘made history’ and “will be remembered forever,” a message accompanied by a black-and-white photo of Armani.

-Thailand News (TN)