Giorgio Armani dies at 91

Fiercely independent, the multifaceted designer was undoubtedly the last living legend of Italian fashion.

Born in Piacenza in 1934, a tireless designer as well as a formidable businessman, Giorgio Armani patiently built an empire that simply bears his name. After unsuccessfully attempting to study medicine and then considering photography, he started at the bottom of the ladder as a window dresser for the Rinascente department store before learning the basics of the trade alongside Nino Cerruti. In the early 1970s, he went freelance and patiently built his reputation. As is often the case in fashion, it takes two to reach the top. In 1974, he formed a public and private partnership with architect Sergio Galeotti, who died of AIDS in 1985.

For 50 years, Giorgio Armani patiently wove his web in fashion, of course, but also developing partnerships in interior design, cosmetics, perfume, decoration, and even hospitality. While rumors about his health have been swirling for several months, we imagine that he planned, with his usual discretion and foresight, the succession of the Armani Group (at least $1 billion in revenue), of which he held the sole reins.

Right up to the end, at the last, very intimate haute couture show in Paris last July, he insisted on being present one last time with a collection that was as classic as it was timeless.

(MH with Stéphane Soupart - Photo : © Etienne Tordoir)

Photo: Giorgio Armani at the end of one of his fashion shows in his Palazzo on Via Borgonuovo in Milan (Italy) in 1999