A Global Icon Remembered
The death of Giorgio Armani has shaken the fashion industry worldwide, prompting an outpouring of tributes from designers, executives, celebrities, and retailers. Armani, who redefined modern elegance and turned “Made in Italy” into a global symbol of sophistication, leaves behind a legacy that transcends fashion.
Carlo Capasa, president of the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, praised Armani for shaping contemporary fashion and contributing to Milan Fashion Week. Tributes described him as a visionary entrepreneur, cultural ambassador, and mentor to younger generations of designers.
Executives and Industry Leaders Pay Tribute
Luxury group leaders Bernard Arnault of LVMH, François-Henri Pinault of Kering, and Pietro Beccari of Louis Vuitton highlighted Armani’s ability to merge timeless elegance with entrepreneurial vision. Executives from Zegna, Ferragamo, Dior, and Moncler recalled his discipline, independence, and enduring influence on Italian and global style. John Elkann of Ferrari and Stellantis called him both a teacher and a friend, while Renzo Rosso of OTB emphasized his curiosity and passion for creativity.
EssilorLuxottica’s Francesco Milleri reflected on a decades-long partnership that reshaped eyewear, while retail leaders from Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Harrods, and Neiman Marcus remembered Armani as a pivotal business partner whose consistency, quality, and vision transformed fashion retail worldwide.
Designers Honor a Maestro
Fellow designers including Valentino Garavani, Ralph Lauren, Donatella Versace, Miuccia Prada, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Tom Ford remembered Armani as a master of elegance and innovation. Many emphasized his revolutionary tailoring that empowered women and softened menswear silhouettes. Martin Margiela, Dries Van Noten, and Stella McCartney shared personal stories of inspiration, while younger designers such as Simon Porte Jacquemus and Jonathan Anderson cited him as a guiding light.
Alberta Ferretti, Brunello Cucinelli, and Maria Grazia Chiuri highlighted his ability to stay true to his vision while shaping a modern definition of femininity and masculinity. For many, Armani was not just a designer but a philosopher of style who embodied integrity and timelessness.
Cultural Figures Reflect
Celebrities and artists also paid tribute. Richard Gere, whose Armani wardrobe in “American Gigolo” defined an era, remembered him as a talented yet gentle soul. Michelle Pfeiffer recalled his kindness and loyalty, while Laura Dern and Martin Scorsese described him as a true artist whose designs carried a timeless elegance rooted in cinema and culture.
From Hollywood to Milan, Armani’s influence stretched across film, music, art, and architecture, cementing him as one of the last great fashion pioneers whose legacy will endure for generations.
