The fashion world is in mourning as Giorgio Armani, one of the most influential designers of the modern era, is remembered for his extraordinary career spanning nearly half a century. Known for revolutionizing fashion with his minimalist tailoring and timeless elegance, Armani leaves behind a legacy that continues to shape the industry.
In May this year, Armani reflected on his enduring creativity during an interview with Even at 90, he brimmed with energy and ambition. “There are so many things I still want to accomplish,” he said from his Milan office, his walls adorned with portraits of decades of inspiration.
Armani’s journey has been one of remarkable milestones. His Maison, founded in 1975, celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, while Armani Privé, his haute couture line, marked two decades of artistry. The Armani/Silos, his Milan exhibition space, reached its 10th anniversary, currently showcasing Giorgio Armani Privé 2005–2025, featuring 150 exquisite hand-sewn pieces. “The idea that you can always move the bar a little higher… it’s an endless path of improvement,” Armani noted.
From his first show in 1975, Armani disrupted the rigidity of menswear with softer, body-conscious tailoring, a style that influenced womenswear and redefined elegance. His designs became collector’s items, admired by a new generation. “If what I created 20 or 30 years ago can resonate with an audience that may not even have been born then, that’s the ultimate reward,” he said.
Armani also nurtured a deep connection with the Middle East. Calling Dubai “the cradle of a new concept of luxury,” he established the Armani Hotel inside the Burj Khalifa, celebrating over a decade of integration into the city. His Armani/Casa collection, now 25 years old, drew inspiration from Middle Eastern geometry and color palettes, blending East and West.
Pragmatism shaped Armani’s worldview. In his autobiography Per Amore, he wrote: “The adrenaline of work is better than any hallucination or induced daze.” He credited his post-war upbringing in Italy and the values instilled by his mother for grounding his discipline and vision.
Despite decades of fame, Armani never sought stardom. “Ultimately, my work speaks for itself,” he said. For aspiring designers, his advice was clear: “Have your own distinctive vision, believe in it, pursue it with diligence and passion, and be true to yourself.”
From Paris runways to Dubai’s skyline, Armani’s influence was never about fleeting trends. It was about creating timeless beauty. “If I had the option to travel back in time,” he once mused, “I would start and do it all over again.”
As the world bids farewell, Giorgio Armani is remembered not just as a designer but as a visionary who reshaped the language of fashion and redefined luxury for generations to come.