Italian fashion icon and billionaire Giorgio Armani has sadly passed away in Milan, Italy, at the age of 91, prompting an outpouring of tributes from around the world. Among those paying their respects is Princess Charlene of Monaco, who this evening shared a deeply personal message reflecting on Armani’s influence – both globally and in her own life.
She said: “It is with great sadness that the Prince and I have learnt of the death of Giorgio Armani. He was an emblematic figure in the fashion world and has created and shaped trends that have influenced generations.
“Amongst the variety of his works, was also my wedding dress in July 2011. His work and achievements will survive him and continue to be present in the future.”
The designer’s company – the Armani Group – announced his passing today (4 September 2025) with “infinite sorrow”.
Calling the fashion designer the “tireless driving force” of the brand, the Group said: “Il Signor Armani, as he was always respectfully and admiringly called by employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.”
Armani on the French Riviera
Armani was a favourite on the French Riviera – particularly in Cannes where his boutique and Armani/Caffè are a popular spot on the famous Boulevard de la Croisette to take a break and relax in an elegant setting. He also dressed many of the stars who walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival.
This year supermodel Irina Shayk wore Armani, Jury President Juliette Binoche wore a Giorgio Armani suit, Tom Cruise attended his Mission Impossible premiere in an Armani tuxedo and Robert de Niro accepted his honorary award in Armani.
As the company statement said today, Armani was “indefatigable to the end”, and “worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and the many ongoing and future projects.”
Several movie stars and entertainers took to social media today to pay homage to the designer, including Julia Roberts who called him “A true friend. A legend”. Fellow Italian designer, Donatella Versace paid tribute, saying: “The world lost a giant today, he made history and will be remembered forever.”
Many of his famous fans, including the Italian prime minister, remembered him for the elegance he brought to fashion.
The BBC reported that Monégasque racing driver Charles Leclerc said it was a “great honour to have had the chance to meet and work with such an amazing person”. (Armani was in partnership with the Ferrari F1 team. He also owned the Olimpia Milano basketball team.) Leclerc was actually in Milan this week for the launch of fashion jewelry brand APM Monaco.
During his lifetime, Armani was awarded with the French Legion of Honour and the Italian Order of Merit for Labour.
Armani Cause of Death
Armani’s cause of death was not revealed but questions about his health had started in June when he was absent from the Milan fashion week; and in July he directed a show in Paris remotely from Milan.
According to Armani’s explicit wishes, his funeral will be held privately. A funeral chamber will be set up from Saturday, 6 September to Sunday, 7 September, and will be open from 9am to 6pm, in Milan, at Via Bergognone 59, inside the Armani/Teatro.
In a tribute to Giorgio Armani, the Armani Group said:
“Over the years, Giorgio Armani has crafted a vision that expanded from fashion to every aspect of life, anticipating the times with extraordinary clarity and pragmatism. He has been driven by relentless curiosity and a deep attention to the present and to people. Along this journey, he established an open dialogue with the public, becoming a beloved and respected figure for his ability to connect with everyone.
“Always mindful of the needs of the community, he has been active on many fronts, especially in support of his beloved Milan.”
The company, which has founded by Giorgio Armani 50 years ago in July, said that his family and employees will carry the Armani Group forward, continuing his hallmark value of independence (of thought and action) into the future. The company was built with “emotion and patience” and is “now and always, a reflection of his spirit”.
A quote from Armani was posted with the statement: “The mark I hope to leave is one of commitment, respect, and genuine care for people and for reality. That’s where everything truly begins.”
