Giorgio Armani dead at 91 — What really happened to the iconic Italian fashion designer?

Legendary Italian designer Giorgio Armani, globally celebrated for revolutionising modern fashion with his signature unstructured tailoring, has died at the age of 91. The Giorgio Armani cause of death was confirmed as an age-related illness, his fashion house announced on Thursday, marking the end of an era in Milanese style and global couture.

“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” the company said in a statement.

Giorgio Armani: A Visionary Who Redefined Fashion

Often hailed as “Re Giorgio” or King Giorgio, Armani transformed fashion by discarding rigid, padded suits in favour of sleek, fluid designs that embodied understated elegance. His modern Italian style, defined by clean lines, neutral colours and a blend of masculine and feminine aesthetics, reshaped wardrobes from Milan to Hollywood.

Armani was not only a designer but also a sharp businessman. By retaining control over his privately owned company, he turned Giorgio Armani S.p.A. into a fashion powerhouse with an annual turnover of nearly €2.3 billion. His empire spanned luxury couture, ready-to-wear, fragrances, cosmetics, accessories, hotels and even interiors under Armani/Casa.

Giorgio Armani: Cause of Death and Funeral Plans

Giorgio Armani's cause of death was described as complications linked to age-related illness. According to the Armani Group, the designer had been unwell for some time and had missed Milan’s Men’s Fashion Week in June—his first-ever absence from a runway presentation in his decades-long career.

His funeral chamber will be open to the public on September 6 and 7 in Milan, allowing admirers to pay their respects. A private funeral service will follow on an undisclosed date, reflecting his family’s preference for an intimate farewell.

Who was Giorgio Armani?

Born in Piacenza in 1934, Armani originally studied medicine before making an unconventional career switch. In 1957, he joined Milan’s famed department store La Rinascente as a window dresser, later working under Nino Cerruti as a menswear designer.

In 1975, Armani and his partner Sergio Galeotti launched Giorgio Armani S.p.A., which quickly disrupted the fashion industry. By stripping away excessive padding and structure, Armani redefined men’s and women’s suits with comfort and elegance at their core.

FAQs

What was Giorgio Armani’s cause of death?
Giorgio Armani died at 91 due to an age-related illness, as confirmed by the Armani Group.

When and where will Giorgio Armani’s funeral take place?
A public funeral chamber will be held in Milan on September 6 and 7, 2025, followed by a private funeral at a later date.