Fashion designer Giorgio Armani dies at 91

BarcelonaGiorgio Armani, one of the most iconic names in fashion, died this Thursday at the age of 91. "Giorgio Armani died peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, after working until his final days. He was a pioneer, extending his vision of fashion to every aspect of his life," reads a statement released by the fashion group.

"Giorgio Armani is a company with fifty years of history, built with emotion and patience. Giorgio Armani has always made independence, both in thought and action, his hallmark. The company is, now and always, a reflection of this spirit. His family and employees will continue with the group, respecting the continuum." Family and friends of the fashion icon, such as Julia Roberts, have mourned the death of the Italian designer. "A true friend. A legend," wrote the star ofErin Brockovich in a post on Instagram.

Elegance and comfort

Armani was a pioneer in having a very specific vision of fashion: the combination of elegance, comfort, and discretion. Rather than following the extravagant trends of the times, the Italian designer opted for a timeless style based on simplicity, subtle luxury, and excellent quality fabrics. He was one of the first to champion the idea of "effortless fashion," in which garments are not only beautiful but also comfortable and practical. This, combined with a color palette that oscillated between neutral and subtle tones, enhanced the understated elegance that characterized him. His death leaves an immense void, but his legacy lives on through his creations, his influence on the industry, and the cultural legacy he left for new generations of designers. His name will remain a symbol of true luxury, a luxury that needs no ostentation to be appreciated, expressed through simplicity and elegance that endures over time.

Born in Piacenza, Italy, in 1934, Giorgio Armani began his career as a designer in the 1960s, working for various renowned brands such as Nino Cerruti. But the real revolution in his career came in 1975, when he founded his own fashion house, Giorgio Armani, in Milan. This was the defining moment in which he began to develop his vision of fashion, breaking with established canons and introducing an aesthetic of clean lines, understated elegance, and a sense of comfort that was almost unheard of at the time.

This approach revolutionized menswear, as before its emergence, men's fashion had tended to be strictly formal and often uncomfortable. Dresses were heavy and stiff, and classic shapes were the norm. Armani managed to break away from all this, offering a softer, more relaxed, yet equally sophisticated vision. He introduced the concept of the "unstructured jacket," a garment that became a fundamental element of his menswear design, with softer lines and more flexible fabrics that allowed men to feel comfortable yet elegant.

This vision transcended the runway and had a direct impact on street fashion. Armani paved the way for a new generation of designers who also wanted to break with traditional conventions and make fashion more accessible and functional. His approach to authenticity in menswear inspired thousands of men around the world to seek comfort without sacrificing elegance, establishing a new style standard that still endures today.

In the 1980s, Giorgio Armani decided to expand his creations to women's fashion, and he did so masterfully. The women's line maintained the same principles of refinement and comfort he had developed for men but with a sensibility characteristic of his aesthetic. He broke away from the overload of women's fashion at the time, replaced exaggeration with simplicity, and created a powerful female silhouette with a subtle touch of femininity. He pioneered the creation of suits for women that could be worn in both formal and more informal situations and proposed a new definition of feminine elegance: practical, refined, yet sensual. He became an icon of 1980s fashion, and his pieces reflected the social and cultural changes occurring in those years, in which women sought both professional success and personal freedom.

Throughout his career, Giorgio Armani managed to consolidate a global empire that transcended the catwalks and fashion stores. He was one of the first designers to understand the importance of international expansion: he began opening stores in cities such as New York, Paris, London, and Tokyo, and created a luxury presence that extended across the globe. As his brand diversified, he launched accessory lines such as footwear, watches, and fragrances that were very well received by consumers, consolidating his image as synonymous with quality and sophistication. In addition to his successful foray into the world of haute couture, Armani also began designing for more accessible sectors such as ready-to-wear, which made its distinctive style accessible to more people, maintaining its signature luxury standards. This ability to adapt to various markets was one of the keys to its long-term success.

As his brand grew, so did the accolades in his career. Armani received numerous awards, including the CFDA International Award (Council of Fashion Designers of America), the Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival for his contribution to cinematography, and several honors for design excellence. He was also one of the first designers to be inducted into Milan's Fashion Walk of Fame.

One of the highlights of his career was his ability to anticipate trends without blindly following them. Armani always believed that fashion should be a personal expression and not an imitation of current trends, which has allowed him to remain relevant for more than five decades.

Despite his enormous fame and success, Giorgio Armani remained very close to his roots and demonstrated a strong commitment to ethical values in his work. He championed local production, and many of his collections are made in Italy, where craftsmanship and refined design are paramount. His concern for sustainability was also a constant throughout his career, as he implemented measures to reduce the environmental impact of his production lines and adopted more responsible practices.

On a personal level, Giorgio Armani has always been known for his discretion and modesty. He avoided the media spotlight and preferred to maintain a private life away from the media spotlight. Those who knew him describe him as a man passionate about his work, with a tireless dedication to quality and perfection. He was always a man of firm principles and clear vision, which has been key to his success. Despite the passing of time, Armani remained actively involved in the creative processes of his brand.