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Giorgio Armani, timeless icon of Italian fashion
So, Giorgio Armani… 91 years old, born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, Italy, he is a fashion monument. Height? Obviously, he never put himself forward like that; we rather remember his creations. But he left a huge mark, both in luxury and in cinema.
He co-founded his house, the famous Giorgio Armani S.p.A., with a minimalist style that changed the world of clothing. Both for men and women, with that chic but accessible, sober without being boring side. You have to say he was a pioneer, not just another stylist.
And you know what, Armani is not just impeccable suits. Perfumes, hospitality, home linen… he put his nose (and his talent) everywhere. His fortune is mind-blowing: 12.1 billion dollars. The guy didn’t do things halfway.
His passing in September 2025 marked the end of an era. Milan mourned its fashion king, a man who worked till the end despite illness, showing extraordinary commitment.
Who is Giorgio Armani: his roots and public stature
Born into a modest family, Giorgio left medicine to start in fashion. With his parents Maria and Ugo, and his siblings Sergio and Rosanna, he grew up in Piacenza. From his beginnings as a window dresser in Milan, you could tell he was not there just to look nice.
His entry into the world of styling with Nino Cerruti gave him the shoulders he needed before flying on his own. In 1974, with his partner Sergio Galeotti, they launched their company, and bam, first men’s ready-to-wear then quickly women’s lines. The start of the legend.
Journey of a visionary: from discreet stylist to global empire
The turning point? 1980, the movie American Gigolo. Richard Gere in Armani changed everything. Armani became an essential creator in Hollywood, and not only. He even designed the uniforms for the Italian air force, proving his genius goes beyond fashion.
His business sense? Not bad at all. He launched his first fragrance in 1984, L’Eau Armani, and his empire grew with luxury hospitality in Dubai, Armani Hotels. He also dared to broadcast his fashion shows live on the Internet as early as 2007, a true pioneer.
He was awarded a thousand times, honored with the Legion of Honor in 2008, and adored by stars. Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Julia Roberts, the list is huge. But the craziest is how he managed to blend elegance and sobriety, without ever chasing fashion.
Private life and surprising anecdotes of Giorgio Armani
Little is known about his private life, but Armani was bisexual and had a strong love and work relationship with Sergio Galeotti until the latter’s death in 1985. A relationship that marked both his career and his life.
Another touching detail: he abandoned fur in 2016, before it became ultra-trendy. This shows a creator concerned by changing mentalities, not just a clothes maker.
The collaboration with Colin Firth to create a sustainable outfit, and his passion for sport (president of Olimpia Milan, supporter of Inter Milan), here is a man who knew how to get involved on all fronts.
Projects and collaborations that marked the end of his career
Shortly before his death, in 2025, he had to cancel his Milan shows for health reasons. He also gave up his show in Paris, a sign that the end was near but he still kept his head held high.
His house obviously continues to thrive with collections that carry on his codes, and you can discover his universe on the official Armani website or even on Armani Beauty which remains a flagship.
For fans of history and curiosities, the Wikipedia page is full of details about his life and immense work.
Summary: what Giorgio Armani left us
- ✨ A minimalist and deconstructed style that revolutionized fashion in the 70s
- ✨ A major influence in cinema with more than 200 films dressed to his credit
- ✨ A luxury empire that is not limited to clothing, but also extends to perfumes and hospitality
- ✨ An early commitment to sustainable fashion and respect for the environment
- ✨ A serious interest in sport and Italian culture, with a remarkable social footprint
Tributes and recognition: Giorgio Armani in posterity
Tributes poured in after his passing, testifying to the colossal weight of personalities like him in our culture. Le Monde and GQ summed up his impact well. Milan will not forget him.
