Giorgio Armani was born on July 11, 1934 in Piacenza, a city in northern Italy. He grew up during the difficult years of World War II. Born into a modest family—his father was a shipping manager—Armani originally intended to go into medicine. He studied at the University of Milan for some time, but eventually left that path. After military service and some early jobs in the fashion department store La Rinascente, he also worked under Nino Cerruti, developing skills in menswear.
In 1975, with his long‑time friend Sergio Galeotti, Armani founded his own label, Giorgio Armani S.p.A. Over time his brand became known for its elegant minimalism, luxurious simplicity, and perfected tailoring. He introduced softer lines for men, and power dressing for women, changing the way people perceived both formal and red‑carpet fashion. Armani pushed boundaries in ready‑to‑wear, evening wear, accessories, perfumes, and even home furnishings. His style became a benchmark for understated luxury and refined taste.
He had a profound impact in Hollywood, dressing stars and creating costumes for films, which helped popularize his look globally. Armani’s sense of privacy was legendary—he avoided ostentation, preferring his work to speak more than his public visibility. Over decades, he built a global fashion empire, spanning clothes, accessories, hotels, and more.
Giorgio Armani passed away on September 4, 2025 in Milan at age 91. Even in his last years, he remained creatively active. His will, legacy plans, and the foundation he established ensure that his brand continues under his vision of elegance, autonomy, and craftsmanship.