The news of Giorgio Armani’s death shook the fashion industry at large on Thursday. Designers and business figures across the global reacted with great sadness and praised the designer’s legacy, vision and trailblazing style.
“Giorgio Armani shaped contemporary fashion by redefining its boundaries and creating a lifestyle concept that is recognized and admired worldwide, establishing Made in Italy as a true symbol of excellence,” stated Carlo Capasa, president of the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana. “As one of the founders of Milan Fashion Week, he generously and visionarily contributed to the growth of the fashion system and its values, always showing deep awareness and engagement with the major events of our time and pressing social issues. He supported young designers, cultural initiatives in Milan and around the world, and fostered the fusion of different artistic expressions. His legacy is a profound source of inspiration for all of us.”
“It is with an immense sadness that the LVMH Group has learned of the passing of Giorgio Armani,” a statement from the French luxury giant read. “He was the last of the post-war, golden generation of fashion designers who shaped, year after year, the paragons of highest elegance. His legacy will live in the hearts and imaginations of current and future designers for a long time. LVMH maison collaborators express their condolences to the Armani Group team.”
Armani was also a hero to many young designers. Among those who attended his fall 2024 Privé couture show were Ami Paris designer Alexandre Mattiussi, and Simon Porte Jacquemus, a self-declared fan of vintage Armani, which he collections and wears. He also nurtured young talents, among them Stefano Pilati.
Here’s what leading industry figures had to say:
Executives
Bernard Arnault, chairman and chief executive officer, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton: “I feel profoundly saddened by the passing of Giorgio Armani. He created a unique style, combining light and shadow, that he developed into a large and successful entrepreneurial journey and extended Italian elegance to a global scale. He was also a true friend and admirer of France. I wish to express my sincerest sympathy to his family.”
François-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO, Kering: “It is with immense emotion that I pay tribute to Giorgio Armani. A remarkable visionary and entrepreneur, he redefined elegance with a rigor and independence that have marked our time. An undisputed master of Italian couture, his influence extends far beyond fashion and will continue to inspire entire generations. I have deep respect for his exceptional career and send my most sincere thoughts to his loved ones and his teams.”
Pietro Beccari, chairman and CEO, Louis Vuitton: “With the passing of Mr. Armani, the world mourns a true visionary. His impact on elegance and class changed the course of luxury forever. As an Italian, I always had a special admiration for his courage, for his inexhaustible passion and his rigorous discipline. He will be deeply missed in the industry.”
John Elkann, chairman of Ferrari and Stellantis: “Giorgio Armani was a great entrepreneur, a man of culture, sensitive and refined, and above all for me a teacher and a friend. For half a century, his creations have represented the highest expression of Italian taste, a symbol of elegance and timeless beauty. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Delphine Arnault, chairman and CEO, Christian Dior Couture: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Giorgio Armani for whom I had tremendous admiration. He was at the same time an exceptional designer and an extraordinary entrepreneur. He held a unique vision of elegance. The fashion world has lost one of the greats.”
Francesco Milleri, chairman and CEO, EssilorLuxottica: “Giorgio Armani was a master of style and an undisputed icon of Italian elegance who, through his creative and visionary genius, redefined the very codes of fashion and beauty. He shared with Leonardo Del Vecchio an extraordinary passion for excellence, quality and innovation, as well as a genuine friendship built on mutual personal and professional respect. For over 40 years, they nurtured shared values, ideas, and long-term visions, forging a profoundly inspiring partnership that forever transformed the world of eyewear. For EssilorLuxottica, it has been a true privilege to collaborate with Giorgio Armani over so many years. The legacy he leaves behind — rooted in friendship, courage, and vision — will continue to live on through the projects he helped bring to life. My heartfelt thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this time.”
Leonardo Ferragamo, chairman of the Salvatore Ferragamo SpA: “With deep condolences on behalf of my family and myself, I join in the sadness of the passing of Giorgio Armani, the undisputed master of fashion and a symbol of pure Italian elegance. He was an exceptional man whose values profoundly marked the history of Italian fashion. They remain alive today and will continue over the course of time as will his long-term vision and entrepreneurial spirit that will be an ongoing inspiration for generations to come.”
Gildo Zegna, chairman and CEO of the Ermenegildo Zegna Group: “This news saddens me deeply. I would like to thank Maestro Giorgio Armani for his enduring inspiration, for his singular vision of beauty, and for bringing the spirit and culture of Made in Italy to the world. His legacy shaped our industry and elevated us all. I will always be profoundly grateful.”
Renzo Rosso, chairman of OTB Group Italy : “Italy and the world are mourning the loss of an extraordinary man today. Every time we met, it was a genuine pleasure to talk with him. He was always curious, eager to learn and explore. His knowledge of the fashion world — and beyond — was profound. Our conversations were always insightful and engaging, a truly stimulating exchange of ideas. His positivity and the passion he poured into everything he touched and created were remarkable. What truly stood out was the depth of his soul and his unique way of seeing the world. He was a true icon who will be deeply missed — but thanks to everything he built, his legacy will live on. And perhaps the greatest gift he leaves us is this: his immortality.”
Remo Ruffini, chairman and chief executive officer of Moncler: “Ever since I was a kid, I looked up to him as a role model, a guide. He was the symbol of what I dreamed of, the point of reference for anyone who loved this world. His consistency, his elegance, his ability to look ahead with clarity and courage marked an era and set a path. He embodied what makes a person great: the discipline, the vision, and the strength of someone who never gave in to the trends of the moment but guided and inspired an authentic, timeless style. He was what so many would have liked to be, and what no one will ever truly be able to match. An example that will stay with us forever.”
Marco Bizzarri, president and cofounder of Forel and chairman of Elisabetta Franchi: “For half a century, he shaped the very definition of fashion and elegance, remaining unwaveringly true to himself while resonating with every generation. His legacy will endure through time, a timeless testament to vision, integrity and inspiration.”
Federico Marchetti, founder of Yoox Net-a-porter Group: “With the passing of Giorgio Armani the world loses a giant, and I lose a Maestro. For more than 30 years, I was fortunate to share unforgettable moments with Mr. Armani on projects both professional and personal. From the letter of recommendation he penned by hand for me when I applied to Columbia for my MBA in the 1990s, to being an earliest supporter of my e-commerce dream in the early 2000s, he encouraged my desire to think differently and aim higher.”
Luca Sburlati, president of Confindustria Moda: “We lost a man and an entrepreneur who has been a true champion of Italian identity around the world. Giorgio Armani has successfully showcased the beauty and creativity of our country, becoming its ambassador with elegance and vision. I hope that future generations of entrepreneurs will continue to love Italy with the same passion and dedication that he has shown over the years.”
Bruno Pavlovsky, president of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode: “Giorgio Armani embodied the privileged ties between the excellence of Italian fashion and French fashion. His contribution to Haute Couture Week was immense, reflecting both his respect for and deep commitment to craftsmanship. His creative aesthetic has had, and will continue to have, a major influence through its timeless codes.”
Pascal Morand, executive president, Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode: “Giorgio Armani was an exceptional designer, an unrivalled innovator, and a man of absolute refinement and sensitivity. He always embraced modernity while respecting tradition. He built an artistic, cultural and economic universe with a unique language, inventing an Italian way of life that spread throughout the world.”
Caroline Brown, global brand president, The North Face: “Giorgio Armani set the foundation for so much of our industry and his influence will be felt for decades still to come. As a designer, he changed the way we dress with his elegance and vision — this is known everywhere. But as a unique leader he also built incredible teams with deep connection to both the company and to one another. Many of the leaders in our sector today passed through the invaluable school of Armani, shaped not only by aesthetic but also by his example every day of genuine passion and extraordinary work ethic. His impact is indelible and all of us who had the chance to work under his leadership will be forever grateful.”
Stan Herman: “This is a devastating loss. It’s like losing someone in your family. It is the end of an era.”
Luigi Maramotti, chairman, Max Mara Fashion Group: “An extraordinary person in terms of spreading Italian style and fashion around the world. A crucial role model for those in this profession, also for the intuitions he had in the development of his stores. He will forever be remembered as the man who has revolutionized fashion with his intuition to adapt the men’s jacket to the women’s wardrobe. He was a figure who inspired and will continue to inspire new generations because, beyond being a designer, he was truly a visionary entrepreneur.”
Anna Wintour, chief content officer of Condé Nast and global editorial director of American Vogue: “Giorgio Armani had such a clear force of personality and vision that you knew his work instantly, wherever you found it. He understood power and attitude and elegance as well as anyone ever has in fashion, and he understood women too: how they wanted to dress and what message they wanted to send as they asserted themselves through his rise in the ’70s, ’80s, and beyond. He also never confined himself to one field or one discipline, and understood that fashion can’t exist in a silo. For him fashion wasn’t one thing: It was also film, music, sport, art, design and architecture, and he left his mark in all these worlds — and everywhere he went.”
Designers
Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti: “We mourn someone we have always considered a friend, never a rival. We have known him for over 50 years — from Mare Moda in Capri, where we showed our collections together, to so many other shared moments in fashion. We can only bow to his immense talent, the changes he brought to our work, and above all, to his unwavering loyalty to one style: his own.”
Ralph Lauren: “I have always had the deepest respect and admiration for Giorgio Armani, not only as a designer who never strayed from his vision, but as a man who loved his family and friends and his homeland in such a special way. Though he was an icon of the world of fashion, he lived with great humility and a love of living that inspired the way he worked and the way he lived. He created a world reflecting all the things he loved with a foreverness that will be his legacy.”
Donatella Versace: “The world has lost a giant today. Giorgio Armani changed history with fashion. He defined style all over the world for generations and was a true genius and a master of class and elegance. He will be missed forever but his style is eternal.”
Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli: “We have learned with deep sorrow of the passing of Giorgio Armani, a Maestro recognized for his elegance and creativity, and an undisputed protagonist of Italian and international fashion. His enduring contribution will remain forever in the history of fashion and in the memory of all who admired him.”
Raf Simons: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Giorgio Armani, a visionary whose creative genius defined elegance and sophistication in fashion. His work has inspired generations of designers around the world, and his enduring legacy will remain a cornerstone of fashion history.“
Sir Paul Smith: “It’s with great sadness that I hear the news of Mr. Armani, a dear friend and fellow designer, passing away. He has been an enormous source of strength and creativity for many years. His continuity, his down-to-earth nature and his staying power in remaining as an unlisted, independent company have always been a huge inspiration.”
Brunello Cucinelli: “In my world, in the world of all those who love beauty, sobriety and work, the star of Giorgio Armani has dimmed in our earthly reality. He shone brightly in the firmament of the most brilliant artists of our time, and from today he will shine gloriously in the realm of immortal spirits as the absolute symbol of Italian fashion. To him belongs the honor reserved for the greats.”
Tom Ford: “I’ve only just learned of the death of Giorgio Armani. I am deeply sad and honestly, I am stunned as he was that rare human being that seemed immortal. An institution, a grand man of great talent. He was an inspiration to us all and it is hard to imagine the fashion world without him.”
Jean Paul Gaultier: “I always admired Mr. Armani and his creations. He gave fluidity to men’s suits, not least in the cinema. Who can forget Richard Gere in “American Gigolo”? He also brought a certain strictness and precision to womenswear with some of the most beautiful suits ever made. When I started to work in fashion in the ’70s, I dreamed of having a piece of his and I bought an Armani leather jacket — it was a dream come true. Bravo, and thank you Giorgio!”
Dries Van Noten: “So sad, that just before celebrating 50 years, Giorgio Armani, he left us… Strange that somebody who was always there, can also pass away. He was for me the master of consistency, that style is more important than fashion, always a relevant reality. As a young fashion student in the ’70s, I remember seeing the ads photographed by Aldo Fallai in Uomo Vogue — a quiet revolution in cut, color and material. It blew me away. I loved it, I wore it, and it shaped my vision. Thank you, Giorgio!”
Stefano Pilati: “Working for Mr. Armani was a dream come true. Everything surrounding you reflected his greatness and strong style coherence. He was a true leader and he allowed me to grow my role within the team enormously. I keep the rare letters he exchanged with me as precious trophies. The last one, in his own handwriting, brought me to tears… I will forever pay respect to Mr. Armani in my work.”
Alessandro Michele, Valentino: “I am deeply saddened and sorrowed for the loss of Giorgio Armani, one of the founding fathers of Italian fashion history.”
Jonathan Anderson, Dior: “I am deeply saddened to hear of Giorgio Armani’s passing. Having also started my journey designing windows before venturing out to create my own brand, I found his story incredibly inspiring. It gives me an even greater appreciation for all that he accomplished. He not only built an empire but also shaped fashion history. He will be greatly missed, and his influence on fashion will never be forgotten.”
Matthieu Blazy, Chanel: “For my generation, Giorgio Armani has been a true inspiration. We have lost one of the greatest innovators and visionaries of our time. His style will outlive him and belongs to the future.”
Pierpaolo Piccioli, creative director, Balenciaga: “This is a sad moment for fashion and the world. We have lost an incredible talent and a true gentleman. Nevertheless, the legacy of Giorgio Armani is monumental and will continue to live on, powerful and undisputed.”
Pieter Mulier, Alaïa: “He was one of my obsessions in the 1990s. Giorgio Armani was the sum of many things that shaped my taste: the images, the style, the taste. And then there were the clothes, of course. The way he introduced movement and lightness into menswear — it was bold. The timelessness of his designs. Pieces that seem to belong to no era, and therefore to every era. But most of all, there was his proposition of a new masculinity. Softer. In motion. With very little, he created something immense: a presence, an inimitable way of holding oneself. Something only his clothes could give.”
Olivier Rousteing, Balmain: “We all are deeply saddened by the loss of Signor Armani, someone I have long admired and will always remember as a symbol of integrity, elegance and vision. Throughout his extraordinary and enduring career, he remained deeply committed to his values, carrying them forward with strength and profound respect. Signor Armani defined fashion beyond trends, staying true to his unique style without compromise. His work captured the very soul of Italy, sharing its essence with the world through grace, authenticity and uncompromising beauty. His journey stands as a powerful reminder of what passion, determination and honesty can build: when you stay true to yourself, your name doesn’t just endure, it becomes timeless legacy.”
Stella McCartney: “I remember many years ago I had a show in Paris and I invited Mr. Armani to come as my guest and I could not believe it when he said that he would. I nearly fell off my chair in the crush of the crowd. Afterwards he and I came face-to-face, heart-to-heart and as he held me and congratulated me, he whispered in my ear that he had never been to any other designer’s fashion show in his entire career and I believe that is probably still the case today. When we sadly lost this great icon, not only in fashion but also in business. I am so proud to have met him. I’m so honored that he graced me with his presence. There will never be another Armani.”
Maria Grazia Chiuri: “Giorgio Armani taught the world the elegance of Made in Italy. With his vision, he helped define a modern and emancipated vocabulary for both women’s and men’s fashion. His contribution to Italian fashion, his vision and his integrity will forever remain a guiding light.”
Angela Missoni: “I have known Giorgio since my teenage years, and throughout the years our families have shared a bond of mutual respect and heartfelt affection. We enjoyed many moments together, from meaningful exchanges to the simple joy of each other’s company. My parents, Ottavio and Rosita, and my whole family greatly respected his work and his vision — one that has left an indelible mark on the fashion world over the past 50 years. Today, with my family, I stand close to his loved ones in this moment of profound sorrow. The world will deeply miss him.”
Alberta Ferretti: “Giorgio Armani has meant many things to fashion and to our country, but what I would like to emphasize at this moment is his immense and unparalleled ability to always remain true to himself. As a man, as an entrepreneur, and as a fashion designer. Giorgio Armani has created a unique, unmistakable style that has evolved over time but has never betrayed its essence in the slightest. To me, this reflects a strong and confident personality, a powerful identity that did not bow to the trends of the moment but left an indelible mark on international fashion. Today, the true king of the Italian fashion industry is leaving us, but his enormous legacy of style and culture will shine forever.”
Lorenzo Serafini, creative director, Alberta Ferretti: “An innate elegance in his gestures and in his style. His perpetual ease — spontaneous and never contrived — has always held a deep fascination for me and for my creativity. Discipline combined with creativity, passion meeting the utmost dedication… Giorgio Armani was a monumental example for all of us designers, with his unique ability to remain always and forever true to his own vision and principles.”
Fausto Puglisi, creative director, Roberto Cavalli: “Giorgio, you were the purest embodiment of Italian fashion and elegance. Through you, the world discovered the true meaning of Italian style and the power of Made in Italy. For me, watching ‘American Gigolo’ was a revelation, your vision turned cinema into a milestone of fashion history and inspired my own dreams. You defined not only a way of dressing, but a way of living with grace, dignity and timeless sophistication. Your legacy will live forever in the soul of Italian creativity.”
Marco De Vincenzo, creative director, Etro: “With Armani, a gigantic part of the imagery associated with Made in Italy disappears. Rebuilding a new one is complicated, because revolutions need time and enlightened minds like his to happen.”
Jacopo Etro: “Giorgio has been a pioneer, a perfectionist and a man with a vision, his vision, that he followed without compromise. His ethereal and soft elegance will be greatly missed especially nowadays in these difficult times.”
Dean and Dan Caten, founders and creative directors, Dsquared2: “We are heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Mr. Giorgio Armani. We were blessed to know him. He was and will always be the ‘Signore of Signori’. Rest in peace.”
John Galliano: “A hero of deconstruction, deeply saddened by this news.”
Lavinia Biagiotti Cigna, creative director, Laura Biagiotti: “I pay tribute to my friend Giorgio Armani, a man of rare human and intellectual virtues, an unparalleled example of dedication, integrity and respect. His devotion to beauty and hard work has left an indelible mark on contemporary culture and will continue to inspire future generations.”
Antonio Marras: “I have always felt particularly close to Maestro Armani, partly because opposites attract, partly because he started out as a window dresser like me, and partly because he was a true workaholic. A great innovator, a Creator with a capital C. Women will always be grateful to him for dressing them with class and charm.”
Simon Porte Jacquemus: “I always considered Giorgio Armani as a genius, both personally and professionally. I am a huge collector of his archive as was obsessed by his menswear designs that I wear myself almost every single day. His impeccable taste, his houses, his campaigns, his sense of beauty and independence always inspired me, and will forever… Forever Giorgio.”
Alexandre Mattiussi, Ami Paris: “Today, we face an immense loss — not only for the world of fashion, but for the world at large. I have the deepest admiration and respect for Mr. Armani, who has always been an endless source of inspiration for me.”
Massimo Giorgetti, founder and creative director, MSGM: “’Fools are never elegant. Intelligent people, even dressed in rags, are always elegant.’ One of Armani’s quotes I’ve always loved. We will miss him, we will miss his style. I will also miss his words.”
Giuliano Calza, creative director, GCDS: “The first time I heard the name Giorgio Armani I was a kid, watching ‘Il Sarto di Panama’ with my father. I asked him if Giorgio was Italian and he said: ‘Yes, the king of chic.’ For years I thought Armani was a place and he was the king. That idea of elegance resonated with me my whole life. To this day, when I think of ’90s power, of an oversized jacket, my mind goes straight to Julia Roberts at the Golden Globes in that Armani suit. He was, and will always remain, the benchmark of effortless authority in fashion.”
Manolo Blahnik: “Giorgio Armani was a master of elegance who redefined modern sophistication. His vision was timeless, his discipline unmatched, and his influence will endure for generations. We will all miss him.”
Gherardo Felloni, creative director, Roger Vivier: “There are only a handful of visionaries who truly shift the course and the language of fashion, and Giorgio Armani was one of them. What makes his story even more extraordinary is not only the revolution he brought, but the way he sustained his greatness over decades, remaining a guiding light for generations of designers. To me, as an Italian, he has always embodied more than elegance, he represented both pride and possibility, reminding us that resilience, devotion and constancy can be as timeless as beauty itself.”
Giovanna Engelbert, creative director, Swarovski: “Giorgio Armani taught us that true elegance is inner confidence and creative discipline. He made us proud to be Italian, showing the world that our style can be universal without losing its roots. His regality was never about appearances, but about inner strength and grace. With love and extreme admiration, I will always carry his lesson with me.”
Rocco Iannone, creative director, Ferrari: “His teaching is more relevant than ever today, reminding us of the value of building things with perseverance, determination and consistency. Great achievements are never instant; they are built patiently, step by step, by learning day after day. In this way, he created a story of elegance and beauty so extraordinary that it has inspired generations and will forever stand as a timeless example for us all to follow.”
Stefano Ricci: “Fashion, and Italy above all, has lost its incomparable Maestro. He taught the world the true meaning of style and the elegance of subtlety. To his family, and to the entire organisation, we extend our deepest condolences.”
Graeme Black: “I was lucky to visit Giorgio a few weeks ago and spend some precious moments with him. He was a beacon of refined, respectful creativity. I was fortunate to meet Giorgio as a young man and had the opportunity to witness his genius firsthand. He helped me realize that quality and integrity matter most in life. He instilled in me a sense of humility and a respectful curiosity for the design process which I still believe in today. We have lost a genius of style today, but mainly I mourn the passing of a witty, clever man who gave my life clarity.”
Joanne Yulan Jong: “Working closely with Mr. Armani was a formative period in my career, one that has forever shaped my perspective on the world of fashion. He taught me, and everyone he hired, to aim extraordinarily high, to pay obsessive attention to detail, and to never settle for less than the best. He was meticulous, with a laser-sharp focus. Nothing ever escaped his eye. At times, it could be pretty terrifying. I remember how nervous I would get presenting collections to him in what we called the ‘Sala Bianca’ at his Milan headquarters. We would spend hours debating the tiniest adjustments to a garment, the curve of a lapel, the slope of a shoulder line. Occasionally, I’d summon the courage to defend a design choice I felt strongly about. He’d fix me with a stern look, but there was always a flicker of humor in his blue eyes. He is truly an irreplaceable titan of the industry. What an unspeakable loss for the world of fashion.”
Donna Karan: “To me, Giorgio Armani was more than fashion. Giorgio Armani was life — menswear, womenswear, furniture, food, hotels, beauty. It was everything. It is Coco Chanel and Giorgio Armani; those two are it. He was kind of my idol and always will be. He didn’t care what other designers did — Armani did his.”
Joseph Abboud: “Giorgio Armani was a true giant in our industry. His global impact on the fashion world was unparalleled and his influence reached far beyond any other designer in the history of fashion. We were sister companies under the GFT banner and I had the great good fortune to meet him on a number of occasions. He was the consummate gentleman, humble and approachable, yet he was a true genius of our time: a legend, a master of soft drape and sensual color who can never be replicated. I’m truly saddened by the loss of one of my heroes, this extraordinary man who will forever ever be a cornerstone of fashion history.”
Stephen Jones: “Giorgio Armani reinvented menswear away from the British idea from Savile Row. Growing up in the ’70s, he was always a beacon for what was modern. There has been very few hats which are as perfect as his small beaded caps and berets in his Haute Couture collections. I always treated them as a benchmark for the perfect blending of head decoration with a head and face.”
Norma Kamali: “Giorgio Armani made us proud to be in the same industry he dignified and honored. Thank you to Mr. Armani for all he has done during his historic tenure in the world of fashion, and the memory that will continue under his name.”
Joseph Altuzarra: “Giorgio Armani transformed the way the world dresses. He introduced a modern idea of wardrobes that allowed for movement, sensuality and ease, while never compromising on elegance or rigor. He was the first designer I became aware of, and the first piece of luxury clothing I owned was a soft, unstructured Armani suit I still wear to this day. His influence on fashion is immeasurable, and his vision continues to shape how we think about clothing.”
Edeline Lee: “Giorgio Armani defined the soft approach to tailoring for his generation. I am so inspired by how his work spoke to women navigating the power structures of their time with ease and a new definition of femininity. It’s a conversation I consistently strive to carry forward in my own work.”
Christian Siriano: “I admire Armani as the man and the designer who was able to stay true to his eveningwear vision and aesthetic when it wasn’t always the ‘fashionable’ thing to do — no matter the trend, he kept true to that vision of serving his customer with the utmost luxury and glamour. This has always resonated with me as something that I’ve strived to do in my own journey as a designer. He is and always will be an inspiration to me and so many designers for years to come.”
Sergio Hudson: “It’s a dark day in fashion. One of our last great visionaries is gone. I’m grieving not just for Mr. Armani but for an entire industry of true craftsmen that seems to be disappearing. It feels like the end of an era, and the loss is deeply personal.”
Jeffrey Banks: “From his very early mid-’70s ads in L’Uomo Vogue featuring page after page of headshots of handsome men wearing his collaborations, I was an enormous admirer of his beautiful work. Many years ago I was privileged to attend an Armani show in Venice at the Hotel des Bains on The Lido and it was simply breathtaking. One year, after a CFDA Awards event at Lincoln Center, I got to the after party nearby early, and there was no one there yet except the host and Mr. Armani. We got to speak for a few minutes alone: me with my broken Italian and he with his hesitant English. He was gracious and kind, the perfect gentleman. The world has lost a quintessential master of his metier, and we shall never see a replacement for his boundless talent. Il Maestro e morto. Lunga vita al re!”
Diane von Furstenberg: “Giorgio Armani invented the industry of Italian ready-to-wear. His tailoring for men and women had a huge impact in global fashion and he was the first to create Armani casa. He was hard worker, kept total control of his company and always did things his own way! His consistency has been SUPERB.”
Todd Snyder: “Mr. Armani is the reason I fell in love with tailoring. From the moment I discovered his work in the 1980s, I was captivated by the elegance of his drape, the ease of his silhouette and the quiet power of his style. He was the master tailor. Every collection carried an effortless sophistication that redefined modern menswear. His vision inspired generations of designers, myself included. He was a true genius, and his influence will continue to shape fashion for decades to come. Today, I mourn the loss of a legend and celebrate the life of an icon who changed the way we see tailoring forever.”
Kenneth Cole: “For decades, Giorgio Armani dressed and empowered the world with enduring style and reliable quality. He inspired me — and generations of designers and consumers worldwide.”
Reed Krakoff: “As a teenager in the early 1980s, I remember visiting Barneys and seeing Armani’s tailored clothing for the first time. He had transformed the idea of the Brooks Brothers suit that my father wore and created something that had a modernity and power I had never imagined a suit could suggest. Years later, I had a similar moment when I first saw pictures of his first widely published apartment in Milan, furnished almost entirely with Jean-Michel Frank pieces — a true visionary again and again.”
LaQuan Smith: “Mr. Armani’s legacy is one that has defined and redefined modern luxury. His vision, discipline, and ability to create timeless sophistication have influenced generations of designers, myself included. He showed us the power of restraint, of elegance without excess, and how clothing can empower a woman while still feeling effortless. His impact on fashion is eternal, and his contribution to the language of luxury will continue to inspire us all. My deepest condolences go out to his loved ones and family during this time.”
Tommy Hilfiger: “Giorgio Armani was a true luminary who redefined elegance. His vision shaped not only fashion, but also the way style itself is understood — demonstrating how a clothing brand can extend into lifestyle, hotels, restaurants, culture, film and beyond, creating experiences that transcend design. I have always deeply admired his artistry, innovation and unwavering dedication to excellence. His passing leaves an immense void, yet his legacy will stand as one of the most influential chapters in fashion history. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, his colleagues, and all who cherished him.”
Helmut Lang: “Rest in peace Mr. Armani. Pioneer and legend.”
Michael Kors: “I bought my first Giorgio Armani jacket when I was 19 years old, after saving up. It was the first time I’d ever worn a jacket that felt as laid-back and relaxed as a hoodie. I could throw it on over a T-shirt, push up the sleeves, and dance all night or go to work. Mr. Armani truly changed the way people lived and dressed. His timeless elegance was always all about the individual. Even people who have never worn his clothes have worn things imbued with the relaxed spirit he brought to everything. There are very few designers who can revolutionize the way people dress in a meaningful way. Armani is one of those rare few. I will miss his grace, his sense of style and his approach to everything he did in life.”
Pierpaolo Piccioli, Balenciaga: “This is a sad moment for fashion and the world. We have lost an incredible talent and a true gentleman. Nevertheless, the legacy of Giorgio Armani is monumental and will continue to live on, powerful and undisputed.”
Giambattista Valli: ”I have always admired Mr. Armani’s unwavering ethics and tireless commitment to beauty. In his uncompromising pursuit of perfection, I often see echoes of myself — perhaps a kinship, since we are both Cancers. His coherence, his honesty, and his integrity remain a lesson in fidelity, to himself, to his team, his vision, and to the message he carried almost as a ritual. He extended elegance beyond fashion, elevating it into a philosophy, an everyday posture. Never through excess or ostentation, but through quiet discipline — a meditative expression of grace. And now, like a constellation, he has traced his own Milky Way — a path filled with stars that will shine forever, inspiring and guiding us with their eternal light.”
Tory Burch: “It is impossible to overstate Giorgio Armani’s impact on our industry. He genuinely transformed fashion, not only as a designer but as an entrepreneur. He built a world and a lifestyle, and he was uniquely sensitive to how women want to feel: powerful, sensual and free.”
Retailers
Pierluigi Cocchini, chief executive officer, Rinascente: “The passing of Giorgio Armani leaves us without one of the greatest masters and innovators of global fashion. His bond with La Rinascente was deep and formative: at the beginning of his career, he worked in our offices as a window dresser and textile buyer, experiencing firsthand that creative environment which was much more than just a department store. It was a laboratory of ideas, a stage where graphic design, photography, design, visual arts, and communication came together — and for him, it was a decisive training ground… In this moment of sorrow, we would like to recall a passage from his story about La Rinascente, which I found to be one of the most beautiful compliments ever received: ‘La Rinascente, which had hired me, also gave me enough self-confidence to leave it’.”
Bob Mitchell, Mitchells Stores: “I cherish the picture Giorgio and myself did for our 50th anniversary. He will always be an icon in our industry.”
Ronnie Fieg, Kith: “When I think of true titans of the industry — those who broke barriers and inspired generations of designers — only one name comes to mind: Mr. Armani. I’ll never forget the day I presented the book I had prepared for our collaboration to Mr. Armani — it was easily the most nervous I’d ever been, because I was about to meet the very person who inspired me to do it all. Today, I feel as though I’ve lost a pillar in my life. His vision shaped not only my career, but the way I see design and possibility. He stood for the highest level of opulence and elegance.”
Simon Longland, buying director — fashion, Harrods: “Giorgio Armani was one of the great architects of modern fashion. With the deconstruction of men’s tailoring and the effortless refinement he brought to womenswear, he liberated the way an entire generation dressed, introducing a new elegance that continues to define contemporary style. He was a visionary not only in design but also in business: the path he forged — from diversifying into womenswear and accessories to building a lifestyle empire under his own name — became a model that others have since followed. Above all, Giorgio Armani will be remembered for the purity, beauty and craftsmanship of his collections, and for the profound, lasting influence he had on the way the world dresses.”
Joan Burstein, founder of Browns, who introduced Armani to the U.K. market: “The first menswear show at his apartment in Milan was an unforgettable moment. I remember the unlined, floating jackets in pastel colors, like nothing on the market. I asked him if he would do a women’s collection in the same [style] — which he did. A lovely man.”
Carla Sozzani: “Remembering Giorgio Armani means retracing not only the history of a great designer, but also fragments of my own life that are intertwined with his. My memories of Giorgio Armani are made of admiration and friendship, of encounters that I treasure with deep emotion. Armani’s legacy is a lesson in essentiality, discipline and authenticity. For the new generation of creatives immersed in a world that rushes forward and often rewards the ephemeral, Armani remains a solid point of reference. He teaches that style is never ostentation, but identity; that true modernity is born of fidelity to oneself. In a time of noise and distraction, his quiet yet authoritative voice continues to show the way. A guiding light, his powerful voice will continue to inspire the future.”
Michael Gould, former chairman and CEO, Bloomingdale’s: “Giorgio was the giant of the giants. They don’t come much bigger than Giorgio Armani. Not only did he set a tone in fashion with incredible design, you could feel the quality, the workmanship, but also the merchandise had incredible commercial value and was very profitable. That was one of the things that set him apart. His ready-to-wear and menswear were major businesses at Bloomingdale’s, and there was consistency to his collections, year after year — great fashion, great commercial value. He never deviated from his vision. When you went into his stores, there was never any confusion about who you saw. Other designers shifted their vision many times, but with Armani, there was no mistaking him. I remember seeing him often at the shows. He was a true gentleman.”
Gene Pressman, former co-CEO, creative director, Barneys New York which launched Armani menswear in the U.S. in 1976: “We had a very close relationship. I worked with Giorgio for many years. We went to many dinners together. We went to parties together. I spent time in his apartment. He was so creative and brilliant. Waiting for his next show in Milan was like waiting for the next Beatles album to come out. When you hang out with someone with that much talent, you get a bit tingly. It was special. He was very low key and unassuming, a bit of a loner. His partner Sergio Galeotti was a character and very outgoing. He made the deal with my father (the late Fred Pressman.) My father discovered Armani in the pages of Vogue Italia. He said to me, ‘this guy is really talented,’ and wanted to sign him up as an exclusive. He called Gabriella Forté, working at the Italian Trade Commission then. She eventually ended up running Armani’s operations, and he asked her to find Giorgio. In those days there were really no Italian designers (selling) in America. With my father and Giorgio, it was an extraordinary mutual admiration society, if you will. They loved each other and worked creatively together. It was a very pivotal moment for Barneys and for menswear. Both were never the same. In those days, menswear was all about Brooks Brothers. With Giorgio, it became sexier. Giorgio brought in a whole different genre of clothing. But he did it in a very nuanced way, with great taste. He was an unbelievable colorist, and the hardest working guy I ever knew except for my father. He did a whole range just for Barneys. We collected fabrics together, and we were building a huge business together for Barneys. It was almost like a house brand at Barneys. Giorgio also influenced changes in the customers coming to Barneys. We starting seeing SNL and Hollywood types. He was truly a visionary.”
Marc Metrick, CEO, Saks Global Operating Group: “Today we lost a true pillar of the fashion community. A trailblazing force for quality craftsmanship and refined tailoring, it has been a profound honor to have had Mr. Giorgio Armani’s partnership for so many years. When I started at Saks Fifth Avenue in 1995, Armani was the defining brand of the time. He set his own standard for fashion and successfully upheld the Armani brand’s unwavering significance ever since. The first designer piece I ever bought was an Armani suit, which marked a deeply meaningful and unforgettable moment for me. As both a businessman and designer, Mr. Armani’s passion is what cemented the brand’s lasting legacy and cultural impact. With his bold creativity and vision, he was an inspiration to me and so many others. He will be greatly missed. On behalf of Saks Global, we extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Armani’s family, friends and loved ones.”
Linda Fargo, senior vice president, fashion office and store presentation, Bergdorf Goodman: “On behalf of Bergdorf Goodman, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Armani. He was an exceptionally important part of our history and the very fabric of Bergdorf Goodman. As Armani’s first retail partner in the women’s business in the U.S., opening with Bergdorf Goodman in 1980, only a few years after he started his business, our intertwined relationship is especially significant. Mr. Armani was exploding with his new vision as he revolutionized fashion at that time, and our clients fell in love with how they felt empowered, chic and understated in their Armani. That love affair never ended. Over the years, we remained good friends and partners, and our clients’ attachment to his aesthetic has never wavered. Armani has always been about the ultimate Italian craft and design, a passion for style and timelessness, and a vision for both strength and beauty. It is with the utmost respect, gratitude and affection that we have to say goodbye now to the maestro of fashion — a man who made a difference, a man who belongs to history.”
Geoffroy van Raemdonck, former CEO, Neiman Marcus Group: “Mr. Armani defined an era of elegance with a vision that transcended fashion to shape culture itself. His genius lay in making sophistication feel effortless, while his discipline and artistry inspired generations of designers, retailers and clients around the world. For those of us privileged to partner with him, he embodied not only excellence but grace and generosity — a true icon whose legacy will remain timeless.”
Judd Crane, executive director — buying and brand: “Giorgio Armani was a legend, a visionary and an icon. As a designer, Mr. Armani has shaped the meaning of modern fashion. As a business leader, he will be remembered as an independent spirit and a visionary brand builder. My first memory of Armani was of his era-defining interpretation of masculinity in the film ‘American Gigolo,’ and most recent memory was collaborating on a project in our London Corner Shop earlier this year to celebrate Emporio Armani and its indelible history as a maverick of the ‘concept store’ combining flowers, books, confectionery and fashion.”
Celebrities
Richard Gere: “Giorgio was certainly an original. An artist. A visionary of sorts. With the eyes and hand of a craftsman, and the soul of a painter. His work had his essence all over it. And he cared right up to the end. Uncompromising. I know there were those who he terrified because of his exacting nature. To me he was a supremely talented pussycat.
Michelle Pfeiffer: “I was so fortunate to be introduced to Giorgio at such a young age and during such an impressionable time in my life. I will always remember him for his kindness, generosity, and enormous heart. Though he spoke no English and I not a word of Italian, we understood each other deeply. He was one of the most principled and loyal people I have ever known. His taste and talent were unparalleled, setting the bar incredibly high for all who followed. He opened his fashion house, his heart — and at times even his home — to those he loved and admired. He will be deeply missed.”
Laura Dern: “What a heartbreaking loss of one of the world’s greatest artists. A true pioneer and a hero in the world of fashion. Thank you Mr. Armani, for your genius and grace, and for all that you taught me about walking through the world — as you dressed me for so many of the most special moments in my life. It was a blessing and an honor.”
Martin Scorsese: “I met Giorgio Armani for the first time in 1983, in Milan. We found common ground right away. I loved fashion and he loved cinema — in fact, he was inspired by the films he saw as a young man. Over the years, a real friendship bloomed. And then, a collaboration. I made a film portrait of Giorgio, and he gave us the support we needed for a documentary on Italian cinema, and then on the World Cinema Project. Through all the years, he’s been a constant for me. A pillar. Giorgio was more than a clothing designer. He was a real artist, and a great one — people use the term ‘timeless’ quite often, but in his case it happens to be true. There’s nothing hip or tied to the moment in Giorgio’s designs. They’re genuinely elegant, inside and out, and they aren’t meant to be gazed at on a runway. They’re for people to wear, to enhance their own individual sense of natural elegance. I’ve had to say so many goodbyes. This one hits hard. But his artistry, his presence and his abiding friendship will never leave me.”
