The global fashion industry is in mourning following the announcement that iconic Italian designer and billionaire Giorgio Armani dies at the age of 91 years old. The news was delivered via a solemn statement posted on the official Armani Instagram page, confirming the maestro passed away peacefully, surrounded by his closest family and loved ones.
The house he built from the ground up confirmed the tragic news, stating he remained dedicated to his craft until the very end. The statement painted a picture of a man whose life was his work, a relentless force of creativity and business acumen that built an empire valued in the billions of US dollars.
Giorgio Armani Dies Aged 91
Hailed as the very archetype of Italian sophistication, Armani’s influence stretched far beyond the catwalk. He was credited with revolutionising modern tailoring, reimagining the suit for a contemporary audience and dressing generations of Hollywood elite.
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His company, the Armani Group, has grown into a colossal entity encompassing haute couture, beauty, fragrances, and even luxury hotels, with annual revenues reportedly exceeding US$2.4 billion (approximately R43 billion).
The official statement paid tribute to his unwavering vision, noting,
“Tireless, he has worked until the last days, dedicating himself to the company, to the collections, to the different and always new projects.” It continued, “Over the years, Giorgio Armani has created a vision that has expanded from fashion to every aspect of life, anticipating the times with extraordinary clarity and precision.”
A Private Farewell For A Public Icon
In a final testament to his character, the designer’s passing will be marked with the same understated privacy he valued in life. The announcement made clear that, in accordance with Armani’s own wishes, his funeral will be a strictly private affair, away from the glare of the public spotlight he so often commanded.
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The future of the empire now rests in the hands of his family and the company’s employees. The statement assured that the Group would continue to operate, honouring its founder’s core principles, stating,
“The company is a reflection, today and always, of this feeling. The family and employees will carry the Group forward in respect and continuity of these values.”
The world has lost a true titan of style, but the house of Armani will endure as his permanent monument.