Milan - The world of fashion and international culture has lost one of its giants. Giorgio Armani has passed away at the age of 91, leaving an immeasurable void.
Founder of the eponymous fashion empire, Armani was not just a designer, but a visionary who revolutionized the concept of contemporary elegance, dressing generations and establishing Made in Italy throughout the world.
His is a story of pure determination. Born in Piacenza, Giorgio Armani started at the lowest rung: a clerk at La Rinascente in Milan. His talent didn't go unnoticed for long: it was Nino Cerruti who first spotted his genius, calling him to design for the Hitman brand. That was the spark.
In 1975, together with his life partner and business partner Sergio Galeotti, he founded the company that bears his name. It was the beginning of an unprecedented journey. Armani challenged the dress codes of the time, liberating the body with his iconic deconstructed jacket, a garment that became a symbol of a new elegance, both informal and sophisticated. His unmistakable style, a palette of beiges, grays, and his indelible blue, became the uniform of global power, from the international jet set to Hollywood stars.
The partnership with cinema and celebrities
Armani and cinema were love at first sight. His epochal debut was with Richard Gere in “American Gigolo” (1980), a film that launched his legend overseas. From there, a succession of legendary collaborations: Christian Bale in “The Dark Knight,” Leonardo DiCaprio in “The Wolf of Wall Street,” Penélope Cruz in “The Counselor.”
He dressed Nicole Kidman and Katie Holmes on their wedding day, becoming the designer of the most exclusive ceremonies. In Italy, he was Fiorello 's trusted tailor for the Sanremo Music Festival.
Passion for sport and Olimpia Milano
His other great passion was sports. An avid basketball fan, in 2008 he became the owner of Olimpia Milano, leading the team to five league titles. He dedicated the technical and glamorous EA7 Emporio Armani line to this passion, becoming the official kit of major teams such as 2023 Italian champions Napoli and athletes such as Rafa Nadal, Bebe Vio, and Gianmarco Tamberi. From 2012, he dressed Team Italy at the Olympics, a role he maintained until the next Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina 2026.
Humanity and recognition
Alongside his success, he never lacked a deep humanitarian commitment. During the pandemic, he donated one million euros to Lombardy hospitals through Olimpia Milano, supported the Djokovic Foundation for Serbian children, and created the Armani Junior Program to introduce young people to basketball.
For his contribution to Italian sport, the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) awarded him the prestigious Golden Collar for Sporting Merit, a rare recognition for a non-athlete. "King George" led a long and intense life, marked by a rigorous aesthetic, global success, and an elegance that will forever remain his indelible signature.
It's sad to hear that such an important person as Giorgio Armani has passed away. He did so much for fashion and sport in Italy. His elegance and innovation will remain in our memories. Thank you, Giorgio.