ROME : Armani passed away peacefully at home, his fashion house confirmed on Friday.

The announcement was made by the Armani Group in a heartfelt statement, calling him the brand’s “inventor, founder, and tireless engine.” The designer, affectionately known as “Re Giorgio” (King Giorgio), had been unwell in recent months and missed his June runway shows for the first time in his decades-long career.

Armani’s influence on fashion was unparalleled. Since founding his label in 1975, he transformed the global wardrobe with minimalist, unstructured designs that became a hallmark of Italian elegance. His creations defined red carpets, reshaped men’s and women’s fashion, and built a global empire with annual revenues of €2.3 billion ($2.7 billion).

Beyond his collections, Armani was famous for his meticulous involvement in every detail of his business, from overseeing advertising campaigns to personally styling models backstage. A major event was planned later this month during Milan Fashion Week to mark 50 years of his brand, a milestone he sadly did not live to witness.

Known as one of the last true “maestros” of fashion, Armani’s passing marks the end of an era. A funeral chamber will be held in Milan this weekend, followed by a private ceremony at a later date.

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