”It is with infinite sorrow that the Armani group announces that our creator, founder and tireless driving force Giorgio Armani has passed away”, writes the designer's company in the message that made the fashion world pause for a moment.
”Tirelessly he worked until the very end", writes the fashion house with words that were not an exaggeration. Just days before Giorgio Armani passed away, he approved, according to RAI, all the clothes for the house's next collection, which will be presented at Milan's fashion week in September.
He had been treated for a lung infection for a few weeks, and health problems also led to him not being able to attend one of his haute couture shows for the first time in his career in June this year. On his 91st birthday in July, he wrote on Instagram that ”it was not easy for me not to be able to hear your applause live. I thank you all and see you in September”.
Expanded heavily
Armani came from Piacenza in northern Italy, where he was born in 1934. His parents were poor, but his mother always made sure that her children were impeccably dressed, he told in an interview with designer Stella McCartney in the newspaper Independent in 2006.
The young Giorgio worked at a department store in Milan before getting his first designer job. And in the summer of 1975, Armani launched his first clothing line with limited means.
The business grew and expanded with jeans, bags, glasses, perfumes and Emporio Armani, a slightly cheaper clothing line.
Acqua di Gio became one of the world's most popular men's perfumes and Armani also got to design the football jerseys for the Italian national team that won the European Championship 2021 and Italy's Olympic Games clothes. Privately, he is said to have supported the football team Inter.
Donated to covid aid
Through the world of film, his popularity grew. In the film ”American gigolo” from 1980, it was Armani suits that Richard Gere wore, and the clothes became synonymous with luxury. Armani's clothes came to be seen in over 100 films, he also dressed superstars like Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman and Beyoncé when it was time for the Oscars.
I think my clothes can give people a better image of themselves and contribute to increasing their self-confidence and happiness, he said to CNN in 2006.
During the covid pandemic, Giorgio Armani donated millions to the Italian healthcare system. He also converted his production to help manufacture disposable robes for healthcare staff.
Giorgio Armani was 91 years old. He is said to have passed away surrounded by his loved ones.
