Giorgio Armani, the Italian fashion designer known for the “power suit” and for collaborating with countless Hollywood celebrities, passed away on September 4 at the age of 91. In a statement provided by the fashion house, it was noted that he passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.
“Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and the many ongoing and future projects,” the company stated in an Instagram post.
Donatella Versace also paid tribute, posting a photo on Instagram with the caption reading, “The world lost a giant today. He made history and will be remembered forever.”
“Re Giorgio” (King Giorgio) as many Italians called him, launched his fashion empire in Milan, Italy in 1975 when he was 41 years old. He revolutionized the suit, veering away from a stiff appearance. His pieces gained recognition when he dressed celebrities like Richard Gere in the movie “American Gigolo” (1980), the cast of “Goodfellas” (1990) and Leonardo DiCaprio in “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013). The icon encountered trials and tribulations in his life before reaching stardom, and it all began as the middle child in a poor family from Piacenza, growing up amid the turmoil of World War II.
He dreamed of becoming a doctor and attended the University of Milan for three years until being drafted into the Italian army in 1953. During his service, he worked in a hospital in Verona, quickly realizing it was no longer his path. Shortly afterward, he became a window dresser for the high-end department store, La Rinascente. He later became a men’s wear buyer, learning more about fashion in the seven years he worked there. In 1964, he left La Rinascente when he received an invitation from designer Nino Cerruti to join his company Hitman, where Armani began designing men’s clothing professionally.
Nearly ten years later he would start his men’s wear line with no formal education, but with hard knocks and passion. He partnered with Sergio Galeotti — an Italian architect who convinced Armani to sell his Volkswagen in order to hire staff. The pair soared together — Armani in creative direction and Galeotti in finances — until Galeotti’s untimely passing in 1985. Not only did they prosper artistically and economically, but they also lived together and were romantically involved.
Following Galeotti’s death, Armani would assume the role of being the company’s CEO and sole shareholder for the rest of his life. Together, they created what is known as the “power suit” for women — a looser fitting suit with shoulder pads, contributing to a masculine look of authority. This was created in response to the second wave feminist movement which circulated prominently in the 70s. The fan favorite has been sported by celebrities like Julia Roberts, Jodie Foster and Cate Blanchett.
“I realised that they [women] needed a way to dress that was equivalent to that of men,” he said. “Something that would give them dignity in their work life,” Armani remarked.
This style was also adapted in men’s fashion, expeditiously becoming a household name. Armani’s approach to fashion was practical and sophisticated. He was rarely seen in extravagant ensembles but instead opted for a solid top and slacks. However, he certainly had the duality to project grandiosity unlike any other, designing some of the most breathtaking dresses to ever walk the runway.
The Giorgio Armani brand rapidly expanded into other lines like Armani Collezioni, Emporio Armani, Armani Exchange and Armani Privé. The creator was worth $12.1 billion at the time of his death.
In an interview with the Financial Times, he stated “My plans for succession consist of a gradual transition of the responsibilities that I have always handled to those closest to me…such as Leo Dell’Orco, the members of my family, and the entire working team.”
On August 30, Armani celebrated the 50th anniversary of his company at the Venice Film Festival. There, he unveiled an Armani/Archivio, a digital archive of his iconic designs.
In an interview with Elle, he reflected on his lifelong devotion, mentioning that he was “immensely proud that the younger generations are seeking out vintage Armani. It means that what I created 20 or 30 years ago still speaks to an audience that may not even have been born yet.”
Armani’s work is by all definitions still relevant today, and his commitment to the brand will always be remembered. His story is beyond admirable. It is one of determination, diligence and creative genius. May he rest in peace.
