September 14, 2025

Giorgio Armani, the designer who created the modern man’s style, has passed away.

In the world of fashion, there are names that mean more than just designer talent. Giorgio Armani was one of them. The creator who defined the way successful people dressed in the 1980s became a style icon, a symbol of independence, and a master of discreet elegance. He passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind not only a powerful empire, but above all an aesthetic that changed the face of contemporary elegance.

The Italian designer began his journey to legend at the age of 40, which in itself makes his story unique. He started out as a window dresser at the La Rinascente department store in Milan. He then worked for Nino Cerruti for six years before deciding to go his own way. In 1975, he sold his Volkswagen Beetle and started his own company. From that moment on, his career took off, and the aesthetic vision he brought to the world of fashion revolutionized not only the way people dressed, but also the way they thought about clothing.

Armani understood that fashion is a tool for communication. His soft, slightly fitted jackets changed the definition of a men’s suit. Instead of the stiff silhouette of a businessman, Armani offered men freedom of movement, lightness, and timeless elegance. It was this aesthetic that found its place in cinema—in the 1980 film American Gigolo, Richard Gere wore Armani designs that became iconic of the era’s style. A few years later, Grace Jones appeared in his creation on the cover of the album Nightclubbing, and the TV series Miami Vice completed the picture of the 1980s as the decade of Armani.

His designs always embodied the idea of harmony and calm – something that differed from the flashiness of fashion. Armani did not design to shock, but to seduce with subtlety. He himself said that his goal was to create things that would not fade away. And indeed, his designs are not subject to seasonal changes. From Emporio Armani to Armani Privé, each of his ventures was a testament to his consistent vision and consistency.

As an entrepreneur, he was as extraordinary as he was as a designer. He owned 100% of his company, Giorgio Armani S.p.A., which over time expanded its activities to include hotels, interior design, cosmetics, and accessories. The company had annual revenues of over €2 billion, and the designer’s personal fortune was estimated at around €11 billion. This makes him not only the most influential Italian designer in history, but also one of the most powerful players in the entire luxury industry.

In one of our articles on independent brands, we highlighted the key features of brands built by individual visionaries. Armani was the best example of this – he did not hand over the reins to anyone, rejected offers from investors, and consistently protected the brand’s independence. His decision not to merge with any fashion conglomerate was risky, but also brilliant – thanks to this, he retained full control over his legacy until the end.

At the same time, Giorgio Armani was a man deeply rooted in values. He never succumbed to the fascination of fame or scandal. He avoided social media and did not attend shows for the sake of appearances. His presence was discreet but powerful. As Franca Sozzani, the legendary editor-in-chief of Italian Vogue, once noted: “Great designers don’t create fashion – they create style. Armani was just such a creator.”

For Armani, clothing was a tool for expressing identity. His collections featured references to classical architecture, Japanese minimalism, and even Zen philosophy. All this was done to emphasize one idea: less is more. His style became an inspiration for generations of designers and customers who were looking for something more than a passing trend.

Over time, his activities expanded beyond fashion. The interiors of Armani Hotels in Milan and Dubai embody the same refined style that made him a legend. In our article on the art of architecture and luxury interiors, we showed how great creators can extend their design language to other areas of life. Armani was a master of this.

Although he collaborated with the best specialists for decades, from Irene Pantene to Gabriella Forte, he always personally approved each collection. Until the last days of his life, he worked with passion, checking each design before its presentation. It was this passion and perfectionism that were his hallmarks. “The need for perfection and constantly setting new goals is a state of mind that gives life deep meaning,” he once said. Today, these words sound like his testament.

In 1985, his life partner and co-creator of the brand’s success, architect Sergio Galeotti, passed away. This loss deeply affected Armani, but it did not break his determination. In the following years, he built a team of loyal associates around him who helped him expand the brand’s influence worldwide. Among them was Wanda McDaniel, who was responsible for the brand’s success in Hollywood and on the red carpets.

For decades, Armani shaped the idea of luxury that does not have to be ostentatious. He was not interested in showing off power or prestige, but in true class, visible in the details. His haute couture collections were never theatrical. They were subtle, focused on form, structure, quality of materials, and the way the clothes harmonized with the body. In our article on redefining luxury, you can see much of his philosophy – a focus on what is real, lasting, and personal.

Armani’s style was not just fashion – it was a system of values. His death ends a chapter in the history of Italian design, but his legacy lives on. The Giorgio Armani brand continues to operate, managed according to a succession plan that the designer prepared in advance. Leo Dell’Orco, Armani’s long-time collaborator, is now set to play a key role in continuing this legacy.

The question of what comes next is natural. However, it is equally important to pause and remember what such an outstanding figure has taught us at the moment of his passing. Armani taught us that fashion can be intelligent. That beauty can be quiet. That style is timeless. That true elegance begins with understanding oneself.

This is not just a tribute to a great designer. It is also a story about a man who had the courage to be himself—and to build something around that value that will last for generations.