The fashion community has today mourned the loss of one of its industry’s greatest legends, Giorgio Armani, who is largely credited with transforming the red carpet.
Earlier today, the Armani Group announced that the Italian designer, 91, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family.
It might be difficult to imagine nowadays, but before Armani’s time, stars wouldn’t dress in a fashion house’s latest finery on the red carpet, but would style themselves just as normal people do.
Armani changed that from 1978, when Diane Keaton accepted the Best Actress accolade for her performance in Annie Hall while wearing a shimmering brown blazer created by the designer.
It marked the beginning of his long reign of dressing the stars at Hollywood’s most prestigious red carpet events, making him one of the most accomplished in the business.
In the words of Vogue matriarch Anna Wintour, ‘Armani gave movie stars a modern way to look’, and he himself was well aware of his powers, framing the time via Vanity Fair as ‘an era of transition’.
He told the publication, ‘The ’80s saw a huge amount of change in Hollywood, and the world in general.’
‘And in particular, women were discovering a new voice as professionals, and I found myself the designer credited with giving these women an appropriate wardrobe – something that could compete sartorially with what their male colleagues were wearing.’
Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer largely credited with transforming red carpet style, has passed away aged 91 (Julia Roberts in his design at the 1990 Golden Globes)
Nicole Kidman looked every inch the film star while dressed in Armani at the Academy Awards in 2018
The fashion icon showed how he takes into account a star’s personality when dressing Lady Gaga from the Grammy Awards in 2010
Armani used the opportunity to make red carpet dressing something that could spark conversations, invite debate, and entertain the masses.
‘I thought it was very smart and creative to take an entertainment forum which the whole world is looking at and use it to advocate for a change in behaviour and attitude,’ he added.
The designer explained that, to him, a successful red carpet look is one that is first and foremost elegant.
Alongside elegance, the celebrity should never look like they’re doing too much stylistically, making comfort a priority, which, in turn, will allow the person to feel their most confident, according to the designer.
Talking to the Daily Mail, luxury stylist Oriona Robb, said of the designer’s impact, ‘Giorgio Armani completely redefined the language of red carpet fashion. Before his influence, eveningwear often meant heavy embellishment, overly rigid structures, or gowns that felt more like stage costumes than clothes.
‘Armani shifted the conversation by introducing a sense of ease and fluidity to glamour. His signature silhouettes of sleek column gowns, softly draped fabrics, and clean lines allowed women to feel both powerful and comfortable, which was revolutionary in the context of Hollywood dressing.
‘What’s remarkable is how Armani married minimalism with luxury. He used sumptuous silks, velvets, and satins, but let the cut and fabric speak louder than decoration.
‘This approach resonated deeply with actresses who wanted to project sophistication without fuss. In many ways, he gave them a modern armour that was both understated and elegant, yet commanding.
Pictured: Diane Keaton wearing an Armani blazer during the 50th Annual Academy Awards in California
Italian designer Giorgio Armani (seen in Washington in 1994) passed away today while surrounded by family
Actress Katie Holmes was striking in a red Armani design at the Met Gala in New York back in 2008
Pictured: Cate Blanchett and Giorgio Armani attend The Fashion Awards 2019 at the Royal Albert Hall
The designer’s big break in film came after he he designed the wardrobe for Richard Gere in Paul Schrader’s American Gigolo (pictured)
Singer Rihanna is seen at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles in 2012 donning a stunning Armani design
Pictured: Actor Isabelle Huppert at the 89th Annual Academy Awards in 2017 dressed in Armani
‘Today, we see his influence in the continued dominance of pared-back gowns on the red carpet, where simplicity is synonymous with confidence. Armani taught us that true glamour doesn’t need to shout, instead it whispers with precision, craftsmanship and a timeless appeal.’
His big break in film came after he designed the wardrobe for Richard Gere in Paul Schrader’s American Gigolo, where he dressed the actor in looser-fitting, elegant suits.
The powerful costumes showed onlookers how luxury designs need not be uptight and restricted, but also deconstructed and relaxed.
The Hollywood connection later earned him wardrobe film credits in over 200 films, and in 2003 a place on Rodeo Drive’s ‘Walk of Fame.’
It’s of no surprise then that Armani went on to make a string of celebrities look and feel their best throughout his career, from Julia Roberts to Victoria Beckham and Charlize Theron.
Oscar night always sparkled, with smart suiting for the men, and glittering gowns for the ladies.
The 2009 best actor winner Sean Penn picked up his statue in a black-on-black Armani outfit, while best actress nominee Anne Hathaway walked the red carpet in a shimmering white strapless evening gown from Armani’s latest Prive couture collection.
Today, the Armani empire has an army of more than 9,000 employees, with women comprising half of the executive suite, along with seven industrial hubs and over 600 stores worldwide, according to figures released in 2023.
Actor Viola Davis stunned in the Italian designer’s creation during the 89th Academy Awards in 2017
Jessica Chastain was glowing in a bronzed mesh overlay Giorgio Armani dress at the 2013 Oscars
Hunter Schafer marked the return of peplum with the help of the designer during the Cannes Film Festival last year
Film star Zendaya looked as glamorous as ever when wearing the designer at last year’s Academy Awards
Pictured: Naomi Watts at the 88th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 28, 2016, in Armani
Along with clothes and accessories, the company produces perfumes, cosmetics and home furnishings, as well as selling its own candy, flowers and even books.
The designer opened his fifth multi-brand store on New York’s fashionable Fifth Avenue in February 2009.
In a statement released today, the fashion house announced his death ‘with infinite sorrow’.
Armani died just weeks ahead of a planned 50th anniversary celebration set to take place at Milan fashion week.
A spokesperson for the company added: ‘Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion, and dedication.’
Armani had been CEO and creative director up until his death and said in his last interview last weekend: ‘My greatest weakness is that I am in control of everything.’
The self-confessed workaholic, who was involved in every aspect of shows, had previously revealed how his biggest regret in life was ‘spending too many hours working and not enough time with friends and family’.
Armani, who dressed celebrities including Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Cate Blanchett and Lady Gaga, was famous for his relaxed tailoring.
Actress Demi Moore showed off her style prowess when wearing Armani at the Golden Globes earlier this year
Beloved British singer Adele looked stunning as she took to the red carpet in the designer at the Grammy Awards in 2012
He was one of the most influential and globally famous designers of the late 20th century.
Fellow Italian fashion designer Donatella Versace said the ‘world had lost a giant today’.
Writing on Instagram, she said: ‘He made history and will be remembered forever.’
German actress Dianne Kruger had worn many Armani creations through the years and today paid a touching tribute.
‘One of the nicest people and mentors I was lucky enough to meet and work with,’ she said.
His funeral will be private, the group said, but well-wishers can pay respects beforehand at a funeral chamber open on Saturday and Sunday in Milan.
‘Il Signor Armani, as he was always respectfully and admiringly called by employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones,’ the company said.
‘Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and the many ongoing and future projects,’ the company said.
Pictured: Actress Anne Hathaway at the 81st Annual Academy Awards held at Kodak Theatre in Armani in 2009
Pictured: ctress Hilary Swank poses with designer Giorgio Armani after the Giorgio Armani Prive Spring/Summer 2008 Haute Couture Collection Show
Armani had cancelled his menswear show in Milan this year due to health reasons. He also missed the Paris Armani Prive show on doctors’ orders.
‘In 20 years of Armani Prive, it’s the first time I’m not in Paris,’ he said in a statement sent to AFP in July.
‘My doctors advised more rest, even though I felt ready.’
He added that he had ‘followed and overseen every aspect of the show remotely’, stressing: ‘I approved and signed off on everything you will see.’
Italy’s Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli led the tributes, paying homage to ‘a leading figure in Italian culture, who was able to transform elegance into a universal language’.
‘His understated and innovative style redefined the relationship between fashion, cinema, and society, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary culture,’ he said.
‘He was not only a master of fashion, but also a recognised ambassador of Italian identity around the world.’
Armani was synonymous with modern Italian style and elegance. He combined the flair of the designer with the acumen of a businessman, running a company that turned over some 2.3 billion euros ($2.7 billion) a year.
Actress Elle Fanning looked other worldly in the designer’s creation at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022
Pictured: Michelle Yeoh arrives to the 80th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Armani in 2021
Jennifer Lopez stunned in Armani when attending the Academy Awards in 2010 in Hollywood, California
The designer is celebrated for injecting glamour into the red carpet (Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is seen at Cannes Film Festival in Armani)
He had been unwell for some time, and was forced to drop out of his group’s shows at Milan’s Men’s Fashion Week in June, the first time in his career that he had missed one of his catwalk events.
Known as ‘Re Giorgio’ – King Giorgio – the designer was known for overseeing every detail of his collection and every aspect of his business, from advertising to fixing models’ hair as they head out on to the runway.
A funeral chamber will be set up on Saturday and Sunday in Milan, the company said, followed by a private funeral at an unspecified date.
Armani dressed the rich and famous in classic tailored styles, fashioned in super-soft fabrics and muted tones.
His handsome black tie outfits and glittering evening gowns often stole the show on award season red carpets.
At the time of his death, Armani had put together an empire worth over $10 billion, which along with clothing included accessories, home furnishings, perfumes, cosmetics, books, flowers and even chocolates, ranking him in the world’s top 200 billionaires, according to Forbes.
The designer also owned several bars, clubs, restaurants and his own basketball team EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, better known as Olympia Milano.
Armani opened more than than 20 restaurants from Milan to Tokyo since 1998, and two hotels, one in Dubai in 2009 and another in Milan, in 2010.
Armani style began with Giorgio Armani himself, from the penetrating blue eyes framed in a permanent tan and early-age shock of silver hair, to the trademark jeans and t-shirt work clothes and the minimalist decoration of his private homes.
Armani’s fashion vision was that of easygoing elegance where attention to detail made the difference.
‘I design for real people. There is no virtue whatsoever in creating clothes and accessories that are not practical,’ he liked to say when asked to identify his clientele.
Born July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, a small town south of Milan, Armani dreamed of becoming a doctor before a part-time job as a window decorator in a Milan department store opened his eyes to the world of fashion.
