25 Amazing Facts About Giorgio Armani

The world has lost a true visionary. Giorgio Armani, who passed away on September 4, 2025, at the age of 91, forever changed the way we think about elegance. From red carpets to Olympic ceremonies, Armani’s influence stretched far beyond fashion runways. To celebrate his extraordinary life, here are 25 amazing facts about the man who built an empire of style.

  1. Giorgio Armani was born in Piacenza, Italy, on July 11, 1934.
  2. He grew up with his older brother Sergio and younger sister Rosanna.
  3. Armani originally studied medicine at the University of Milan.
  4. He left school after three years and joined the army, working at a military hospital in Verona.
  5. After his service, he became a window dresser and sales clerk at La Rinascente department store in Milan.
  6. At La Rinascente, he introduced customers to Marimekko, the Finnish design house.
  7. He gained fame designing menswear at Nino Cerruti’s company in the 1960s.
  8. In 1973, with encouragement from Sergio Galeotti, he opened his own design office in Milan.
  9. Two years later, in 1975, Armani founded his own company, Giorgio Armani S.p.A.
  10. His debut ready-to-wear collection featured both men’s and women’s lines.
  11. Armani’s partnership with Gruppo Finanzario Tessile in 1978 helped luxury ready-to-wear take off.
  12. His Hollywood breakthrough came with Richard Gere wearing Armani in American Gigolo (1980).
  13. Armani went on to design costumes for over 100 films, including The Untouchables (1987).
  14. In 1981, he launched Emporio Armani, followed by Armani Jeans and Armani Junior.
  15. Armani is credited with pioneering red-carpet fashion.
  16. He banned underweight models after the tragic death of Ana Carolina Reston.
  17. Armani was the first designer to broadcast a haute couture show live online in 2007.
  18. He designed for pop superstar Lady Gaga, including her Monster Ball and Born This Way tours.
  19. He also designed outfits for high-profile awards shows like the Grammys and MTV VMAs.
  20. Armani collaborated with Eric Clapton, who wrote songs for his fashion shows and wore Armani suits.
  21. He opened Armani Hotels in partnership with Emaar, including inside Dubai’s Burj Khalifa.
  22. Armani’s empire extended to restaurants, home furnishings, music, and luxury resorts.
  23. A devoted sports fan, Armani owned basketball team Olimpia Milano and designed Olympic uniforms for Italy.
  24. He also partnered with Ferrari to provide official team wear in Formula 1.
  25. At the time of his death, Armani’s empire was valued at more than €8.6 billion, and he was recognized as the richest LGBTQ person in the world.

Giorgio Armani’s legacy is woven into the fabric of culture itself. From sleek tailoring to sustainable fashion, from cinema to sports, his touch was everywhere. His vision of elegance—quiet, powerful, and timeless—remains a guiding light for designers and dreamers. As we remember Armani, we celebrate a life lived in pursuit of beauty, detail, and grace.