Giorgio Armani, the designer who redefined Italian fashion, dies at 91.

The fashion world bid farewell yesterday to one of its most illustrious names, Giorgio Armani , a visionary designer and creator of a global empire who took Italian elegance to the pinnacle of luxury . He died at the age of 91, surrounded by his loved ones, the firm announced.

“It is with immense sadness that the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” the company said in a statement, underscoring its commitment to continuing his legacy “with respect, responsibility, and love.” Armani founded his fashion house in Milan in 1975, accompanied by Sergio Galeotti, and it quickly became a global icon. His minimalist style, defined by clean lines and understated fabrics, changed the way elegance was conceived on both the runways and the red carpets of Hollywood. Richard Gere in American Gigolo and stars such as Jodie Foster, Julia Roberts, and Beyoncé made his designs synonymous with distinction.

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Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala declared Monday an official day of mourning for the funeral. In accordance with his wishes , the funeral will be private, although a public wake will be open this weekend at the Armani Teatro .

“Milan has lost a part of its history. What he did was incredible; he put his whole heart into it,” said an emotional Emanuela Ottolina, a visitor to an Armani Privé exhibition.

The designer had canceled his menswear show in Milan in January for health reasons, and also absented himself from Armani Privé in Paris. A few days before his death, he announced in an interview that the succession of his company would take place "with a gradual transition toward close collaborators and members of his family."

The news sparked a wave of tributes. Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli emphasized that Armani “transformed elegance into a universal language.” Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described him as “a tireless worker, an icon, and a symbol of the best of Italy.”

Donatella Versace mourned the passing of a “giant who made history”; Bernard Arnault, chairman of LVMH, asserted that his legacy “will live long in the hearts and minds of today's and tomorrow's designers.”

Ralph Lauren called him “a designer who never strayed from his vision” and Michael Kors recognized him as an “eternal icon who changed the way the world dresses and lives.”

Born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, to a humble family of Armenian origin, Armani studied medicine before working as a window dresser at the La Rinascente department store. His life changed after meeting designer Nino Cerruti, with whom he learned the trade and refined his style until he launched his own label.

The man behind impeccable suits and the color "greige" (a mix of gray and beige) was also a pioneer in freeing men and women from sartorial rigidities, offering comfort without sacrificing elegance.

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• Giorgio Armani was the costume designer for films such as The Wolf of Wall Street, Goodfellas, American Gigolo, The Untouchables, The Bodyguard, Gattaca, Batman: The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises, Inglourious Basterds, A Most Violent Year , among others; he also collaborated with the designer for Lady Gaga's Monster Ball tour.
• Royalty and stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Penélope Cruz, Michelle Yeoh, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Adele, Angelina Jolie, Richard Gere, Salma Hayek, Luis Miguel, Eiza González, Diego Boneta, Princess Caroline of Monaco and Queen Letizia of Spain have worn his designs.