Fashion magnate Giorgio Armani, a dominant figure in the glamorous industry, reigned supreme on the red carpet, yet consistently shied away from the glare of the spotlight.
Giorgio Armani, a titan of the fashion world and one of Italy's most successful entrepreneurs, has passed away at the age of 91. Known for his timeless, elegant designs and indelible mark on the industry, Armani's influence will be felt for generations to come.
Armani founded his eponymous brand in 1975 with the support of Sergio Galeotti. He remained the CEO and creative director of his company until his death, despite declining health. During his 50-year career, he reinvented officewear for men and women in the 1980s, pioneered the concept of 'stealth wealth' in the 1990s, and dominated the red carpet until the very end.
Armani was an early adopter of brand extension, expanding his empire to include Armani Casa, Armani Beauty, Armani Hotels and Resorts, art exhibitions, live music performances, sporting events, and even chocolates. The Armani Group, now worth an estimated $12.1 billion (Β£9 billion), reported revenue of Β€2.45 billion (Β£2.12 billion) and operating profits of Β€215 million (Β£186 million) in 2023.
Armani's designs were characterized by a distaste for trends and a focus on timeless, elegant pieces, particularly suiting. His designs were often characterized by the color blue, which he chose because it matched his personality and helped his collaborators focus on his actions and words. He presided over multiple fashion lines, including Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, and Armani Exchange, and launched a couture line, Armani PriveΜ, in 2005.
Armani dressed numerous celebrities, including Diane Keaton, Jodie Foster, Michelle Pfeiffer, Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, Beyonce, Zendaya, and Cate Blanchett. His designs were featured in several memorable films, such as American Gigolo (1980), Goodfellas (1990), and The Wolf of Wall Street (2013).
Despite his success, Armani was a man who preferred to observe and communicate through his clothes. He was pragmatic and reserved, and admitted his greatest weakness was being in control of everything. His biggest regret in life was spending too many hours working and not enough time with friends and family.
The leadership of the Armani Group after Armani's death will be managed through a gradual transition involving multiple key figures, including his nieces Silvana and Roberta Armani, his sister Rosanna, her son Andrea Camerana, and his longtime right hand Pantaleo Dell'Orco. The succession is intended to happen organically, with no abrupt changes.
Armani's sister, Rosanna Armani, is 86 years old. His nieces, Roberta and Silvana, and his nephew, Andrea, work for the Armani Group.
Giorgio Armani was a colossus of the fashion world, known for his indelible mark on the industry. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of designers and fashion enthusiasts for years to come.
