Giorgio Armani, one of the world’s greatest creative minds who revolutionized modern fashion, died Wednesday in Milan at the age of 91. He passed away in calmness, surrounded by the love of his family. His death certainly signals an end of an era. These creations from this super star multi calendar performer have dazzled runways for 40 years and dressed Tinseltown royalty on the red carpets and in the classic films.
Armani grew up on the periphery of Milan practically as we know it today. Following a successful career as a buyer and menswear designer, he eventually opened his own fashion house, starting off with just $10,000. This experiment developed into an international household name known for its opulence and elegance. His designs have been featured in critically acclaimed films such as “American Gigolo,” “Goodfellas,” and “The Wolf of Wall Street,” showcasing his influence not just in fashion, but in cinema.
His company is preparing to mark its golden anniversary this month during fashion week in Milan. His absence has created an enormous gap. Even after having to miss three high-profile fashion shows over the summer as illness overtook him, Armani never wavered in his commitment. He continued to work on his company’s many projects up until the very end.
Reflecting on his career, Armani once stated, “My initial goal was to dress people but from there I moved naturally into other areas, because I wanted to offer those entering the Armani world a unique experience.” This was the philosophy that kept him grounded as he took his brand beyond just a clothing line into a full-fledged lifestyle.
For all his monumental success, Armani has admitted to making one big regret in his career and life choices. He stated, “My only regret in life was spending too many hours working and not enough time with friends and family.” This common regret speaks to the lost relationships he felt created space for his professional accomplishments.
Just as notable as his business empire were his predictions about the future of his brand. He mentioned succession plans. He stressed his intention for a slow, controlled passing of the baton to reliable lieutenants such as Leo Dell’Orco, who directs menswear for Armani. He aimed for this succession to be organic, stating, “I would like the succession to be organic and not a moment of rupture.”
Even in the later years of his life, Armani’s passion and drive always shone through. He easily accepted and recognized that fact as his greatest weakness, that he was too controlling. He attributed his supreme confidence in his ideas as the engine of his success to date.
