The global fashion industry is in mourning following the death of legendary Italian designer Giorgio Armani, who has passed away at the age of 91.
Australian actor Russell Crowe was among the first to pay tribute, recalling how a lost suitcase on his way to Cannes in 1997 led him to Armani’s tailoring – a relationship that would last decades. Crowe, who wore Armani at his 2003 wedding and was most recently spotted at Wimbledon in an Armani suit, said: “Mr Armani has made a deep contribution, to fashion, to design, to popular culture. I adored him. He was so kind… So many significant moments in my life, awards, wedding, Wimbledon… all in Armani.”
Crowe revealed he had planned to meet Armani in Milan later this month. “Alas…” he wrote, before ending with a poignant Italian note: “Thank you Giorgio, you will always live in my heart.”
Armani enjoyed strong ties with Australian stars, including Cate Blanchett, Naomi Watts, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban. Watts shared a simple tribute on Instagram: “RIP Giorgio. Thank you for your brilliance.” Kidman, who has often worn custom Armani gowns, inspired the designer to create a bespoke colour in her honour in 2022 – “Nicole Kidman blue.”
Tributes poured in from around the world. Julia Roberts described Armani as “a true friend. A legend.” Fellow designer Donatella Versace said: “The world lost a giant today. He made history and will be remembered forever.”
Victoria Beckham, who alongside husband David fronted an Armani campaign in 2009, wrote: “The fashion world has lost a true legend – a visionary designer whose legacy will live on forever. I feel honoured to have called him a friend.”
Stella McCartney, Elizabeth Hurley, and even Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni honoured Armani’s memory, with Meloni praising him as “an icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best of Italy.”
Armani’s fashion house confirmed his death in a sombre statement: “With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani. Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days.”
The designer had been preparing a major Milan Fashion Week celebration for the 50th anniversary of his brand later this month. A private funeral will be held at an unspecified date, while a public chamber will open at Milan’s Armani Teatro this weekend for mourners to pay their respects.
Armani was last seen in public in February, walking the runway at one of his own shows – a fitting farewell for a man who reshaped the very fabric of fashion.
Images: Instagram
