Iconic Fashion Designer, Gorgio Armani Dies At 91

By Bukola Kayode

Iconic fashion designer, Gorgio Armani has died at 91.

Armani, one of the biggest names in the fashion industry, has passed away at the age of 91, the company he founded and led for five decades announced on Thursday.

Giorgio Armani is a legendary Italian fashion designer known for his minimalist and elegant style, founded in 1975 with his business partner Sergio Galeotti. Born in 1934, he first studied medicine before transitioning to a career in fashion, first as a window dresser and then a designer at Nino Cerruti. Armani revolutionized fashion by creating softer, more sensual tailoring for both men and women, with his brand expanding to include fragrances, cosmetics, and hotels. 

Early Life and Career Beginnings

• Born:July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, Italy. 
• Medical Studies:Armani began his higher education by enrolling in the University of Milan’s medical department but left after three years to pursue other career paths. 
• Military Service:He served in the Italian army, where his medical background led to an assignment at the Military Hospital in Verona. 
• Fashion Entry:After his military service, Armani began working in fashion in Milan as a visual merchandiser for the department store “La Rinascente”. 
• Nino Cerruti:In the mid-1960s, he joined Nino Cerruti as a fashion designer, where he learned about textiles and developing his signature clean, understated style. 

Founding Giorgio Armani S.p.A.

• Partnership:In the late 1960s, Armani met Sergio Galeotti, an architect, who became his professional and personal partner. 
• Brand Launch:In 1975, with Galeotti, Armani founded Giorgio Armani S.p.A., initially focused on menswear but quickly expanding to other categories. 
• Signature Style:The brand became known for its elegant, soft-tailored, and minimalist designs that redefined modern dressing for both men and women. 

Career Highlights and Impact

• Cultural Influence:Armani’s designs gained widespread recognition and were famously worn by celebrities in films like “American Gigolo” and “Miami Vice,” making him a household name. 
• Business Expansion:The Giorgio Armani empire expanded beyond fashion to include fragrances, cosmetics, home furnishings, hotels, and even uniforms for Alitalia flight attendants and soccer teams. 
• Awards and Recognition:Armani received numerous accolades, including the Gran Cavaliere della Repubblica and the GQ Designer of the Year award, solidifying his status as a pivotal figure in fashion. 

See more pictures from Giorgio Armani’s life in pictures: