With deep sorrow, the global fashion industry bids farewell today to Giorgio Armani, who has passed away at the age of 91. The Italian creator was one of the greatest visionaries of style, building an empire that transcended the boundaries of fashion and defined the very notion of elegance for half a century.

Born in Piacenza in 1934, he began with medical studies and a brief service in the army, before following his intuition and turning to fashion. In 1975 he founded Giorgio Armani S.p.A., and within just a few years he radically transformed the way people dressed and perceived their own image. The famous power suits of the 1980s, his refined and minimalist lines, as well as his influence on the red carpet, ushered in a new era in the aesthetics of fashion.

The Armani empire extended far beyond clothing. Perfumes, accessories, furniture, hotels, and collaborations with the world of sports completed a universe that always revolved around the same philosophy: understated luxury, simplicity, and architectural clarity. Through his signature, fashion ceased to be a flashy spectacle and became a promise of harmony and timelessness.

Until his final days, he remained tireless, preparing new shows and events for the celebration of his brand’s 50th anniversary. His absence from the recent Milan Men’s Fashion Week due to health issues had already caused concern in the industry, but no one expected the end to come so soon.

The legacy he leaves behind is priceless. Giorgio Armani was not only a designer; he was a cultural phenomenon who forever changed the way we perceive elegance. His presence will remain indelible, as his name has become synonymous with silent strength, purity of form, and the eternal pursuit of timelessness.

Today fashion mourns, but at the same time celebrates a man who gave the world the true essence of style. Giorgio Armani will live forever through his creations, the moments he defined, and the immortal elegance he offered.

Grazie di tutto, Maestro.

Photo Courtesy of Giorgio Armani