Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai.Renowned Italian designer Giorgio Armani, the founder of the iconic Armani fashion house, has passed away at the age of 91. His company confirmed the news on September 4, stating that Armani died peacefully among loved ones. Widely hailed as the man who gave Italian style worldwide recognition, he remained the sole owner and guiding force of his brand till his last days.

Early life and humble beginnings

Armani was born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, Italy. Initially, he pursued medicine but later realized it was not his true calling. He left his medical studies after two years and turned to photography before stepping into the world of fashion. This decision transformed not only his life but also the global fashion industry.

Launching Armani brand in 1975

In 1975, Armani co-founded his company with his business partner Sergio Galeotti. The venture soon revolutionized modern fashion. Armani was unique in being the only shareholder and CEO of Giorgio Armani SpA, retaining complete control over the brand. While other luxury houses sold stakes to global conglomerates, Armani chose independence, making his company an exception in the fashion world.

Breakthrough moment in Hollywood

Armani’s breakthrough came in 1980 when his suits featured in Richard Gere’s film American Gigolo. The lightweight, unstructured jackets gave men’s fashion a fresh, effortless look, instantly capturing attention worldwide. The film made Armani a favorite in Hollywood, with his designs later embraced by celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Julia Roberts, and Cate Blanchett.

Innovations in women’s power dressing

Beyond men’s fashion, Armani transformed women’s wardrobes by popularizing pantsuits for the workplace. His designs blended simplicity with authority, giving working women confidence and elegance. The idea of power dressing became a global phenomenon, with Hollywood stars and business leaders alike adopting his styles. Even in 2025, his designs continued to shine, with Cate Blanchett making headlines in an Armani suit at Wimbledon.

Expansion into lifestyle and business

Armani was not confined to clothing alone. His empire extended into luxury hotels in Milan and Dubai, restaurants, cosmetics, perfumes, and even interior design. He also had a passion for sports, particularly basketball, sponsoring Italy’s Olympia Milano team and designing uniforms for them. His brand became a symbol of luxury across industries, not just fashion.

Admired as “Il Signor Armani” by colleagues and employees, he earned the affectionate title of “King Giorgio” for his unmatched influence. Despite his towering fame, he kept his personal life private and away from gossip. Armani’s company, valued at nearly 10 billion euros in 2025, stands as a testament to his lifelong commitment to creativity and independence.

Remembering his partnership with Sergio Galeotti

Armani often credited his partner Sergio Galeotti for his early success. Galeotti’s death in 1985 left Armani to run the business alone, yet he carried the brand to even greater heights. Throughout his career, Armani always remembered Galeotti as his source of inspiration and strength.

Forbes estimated his net worth at 12.1 billion dollars (about one lakh crore rupees) in 2025. His clothes remain timeless, highly sought after even in the second-hand luxury market. Armani’s mastery of blending Italian tailoring with modern comfort created designs that never went out of fashion. His passing marks the end of a 50-year dominance in global fashion, but his legacy will endure through his iconic creations.

Summary pointers:

• Giorgio Armani, founder of Armani brand, passed away at 91
• Born in Piacenza, Italy, in 1934, studied medicine before fashion
• Co-founded Armani in 1975 with Sergio Galeotti
• Gained fame with Richard Gere’s film American Gigolo in 1980
• Popularized women’s pantsuits, leading to power dressing trend
• Expanded brand into hotels, restaurants, perfumes, and interior design
• Nicknamed King Giorgio, known for simplicity and privacy
• Net worth valued at 12.1 billion dollars in 2025
• Leaves behind a lasting legacy in global fashion industry