Italian Fashion designer and billionaire Giorgio Armani has died from natural causes at age 91. Armani was one of the biggest names in fashion. The fashion house he founded five decades ago confirmed his death on Thursday.
“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” the company said in a statement.
“In this company, we have always felt like part of a family. We, the employees and the family members, who have always worked alongside Mr. Armani, commit to protecting what he built and to carrying his company forward in his memory, with respect, responsibility, and love,” the company added.
Armani had been ill for months. He was forced to miss his fashion shows at Milan’s Men’s Fashion Week in June.
A funeral chamber will be held on Saturday and Sunday in Milan, followed by a private funeral, the company said.
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri called the late designer “one of the greatest interpreters of contemporary fashion.”
Italian fashion designer Donatella Versace wrote in a post on Instagram, “The world lost a giant today. He made history and will be remembered forever.”
Armani is pictured with American singer Alicia Keys (left) and Lady Helen Taylor, a relative of the British royal family, in London in 2007.
The openly bisexual fashion icon was once referred to as “the richest queer person in the world.” He openly discussed his romantic relationships with both men and women.
Armani’s heirs include his sisters Silvana and Roberta, and his nephew Andrea Camerana — all of whom serve on the board.
He had no children of his own.
