Legendary Italian fashion designer, billionaire, and yacht owner Giorgio Armani has passed away at the age of 91. According to a statement released by his company, Armani died “peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.”
Born in 1934 in Piacenza, Italy, Armani’s early life seemed destined for medicine. He studied at the University of Milan before serving at the Military Hospital in Verona. But fate led him towards fashion, starting humbly as a window dresser and sales clerk at Milan’s renowned La Rinascente department store. From there, he collaborated with design houses such as Nino Cerruti, Allegri, Bagutta, Hilton, and Montedoro, before partnering with architectural draftsman Sergio Galeotti, who encouraged him to open his own design office in Milan.
In 1975, Armani founded Giorgio Armani S.p.A., launching a brand that would become a global symbol of elegance and modern style. By 1979, he had expanded into the U.S. with the Giorgio Armani Corporation, cementing his reputation as one of the most influential figures in international fashion. His empire now spans luxury clothing, accessories, swimwear, fragrances, and beauty products.
Armani and the Sea
Beyond fashion, Armani’s passion for yachting was well known. A keen sailor, he became a major figure in the superyacht world, not only through his private yachts but also as the sponsor of the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta in partnership with the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda.
His yachts became icons in their own right. His first, Mariù (named after his mother), was followed by the striking 65-metre Codecasa Main, delivered in 2008. With its distinctive dark-green hull and minimalist interiors, Main reflected Armani’s philosophy: “I designed it entirely, from the hull to the interiors, putting in everything I consider important at sea and, at the same time, introducing a concept of the home.”
In recent years, Armani extended his creativity to yacht design itself. In collaboration with Admiral Yachts, part of The Italian Sea Group, he unveiled Project Metamorphosis, a 72-metre superyacht characterised by unconventional geometric forms and satin-gold tones. The yacht, delivered in 2024, will debut at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, marking a fitting tribute to his visionary spirit.
A Lasting Legacy
The company’s statement honoured his relentless dedication:
“Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections and the many ongoing and future projects. Giorgio Armani crafted a vision that expanded from fashion to every aspect of life, anticipating the times with extraordinary clarity and pragmatism.”
Though Armani never named a successor, the brand’s future is expected to remain within his family. His nieces Roberta and Silvana Armani, nephew Andrea Camerana, and trusted collaborator Pantaleo Dell’Orco are likely to guide the empire forward.
Giorgio Armani’s influence extended far beyond fashion—he reshaped the relationship between design, lifestyle, and the sea. His passing leaves a profound void, but his legacy will continue to inspire the worlds of haute couture and superyachts alike.
