Iconic fashion designer Giorgio Armani has died aged 91

Legendary fashion designer Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91.

The Italian-born billionaire passed away today (September 4), ‘peacefully’ and ‘surrounded by his loved ones’.

Taking to Instagram, the fashion house posted the following statement: “Milan, September 4, 2025 – With infinite condolences, the Armani group announces the passing of its inventor, founder and tireless engine: Giorgio Armani.

“Mr. Armani, as he was always called with respect and admiration by employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.

“Tireless, he has worked until the last days, dedicating himself to the company, to the collections, to the different and always new projects in being and to becoming.”

It continued: “Over the years, Giorgio Armani has created a vision that has expanded from fashion to every aspect of life, anticipating the times with extraordinary clarity and precision. He was driven by an inexorable curiosity, attention for the present and people.

Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani poses for a picture in New York, back in 1992 (Rose Hartman/Getty Images)

“In this journey he created an open dialogue with the public, becoming a beloved and respected figure for his ability to communicate with everyone. Always attentive to the needs of the community, he has committed himself on many fronts, above all to his beloved Milan.

“Giorgio Armani is a company with fifty years of history, grown with emotion and patience. Giorgio Armani has always made independence, thought and action, his hallmark. The company is a reflection, today and always, of this feeling.”

It went on to note that the family and employees of the business will carry forward the 91-year-old’s respect and values.

Italian designer Giorgio Armani at the end of his Emporio Armani fashion show at Milan Fashion Week Women’s Collection Fall Winter 2025, in February (Matteo Rossetti/Archivio Matteo Rossetti/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)

Just last month, the billionaire spoke with the Financial Times to share plans that he was to unveil an exhibition at a Milanese museum dedicated to fashion, at the end of this September.

“My greatest weakness is that I am in control of everything,” he told the publication, that was despite him having missed the last three fashion shows – between June and July – due to having fallen ill.

Speaking about his fashion empire he created, he added: “If what I created 50 years ago is still appreciated by an audience that wasn’t even born at the time, this is the ultimate reward.”

The Giorgio Armani brand was launched in 1975 when the Piacenza-born designer invested $10,000 capital into purchasing a tiny office.

He continued: “My goal in the beginning was to assert my vision and to dress people,” Armani says. “In some ways it’s still the same idea today.”

His brand is now worth an estimated $10 billion.