GIORGIO ARMANI

Stars pay tribute to the legendary Italian fashion designer, whose name became synonymous with red carpet glamour

- REPORT: ISABELLE CASEY

"He made history and will be remembered for ever," said Donatella Versace last week as she led the tributes to the king of Italian fashion, Giorgio Armani, after his death at the age of 91.

One of the most influential and globally famous designers of the late 20th century, he was just weeks away from celebrating his company's 50th anniversary at Milan Fashion Week.

Throughout his career, Giorgio, who remained chief executive and creative director of the label until the day he died, dressed the great and the good of Hollywood, with Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Cate Blanchett and Lady Gaga among his A-list clients.

Other stars of the big screen shared their condolences. "One of the nicest people and mentors I was lucky enough to meet and work with," said the German actress Diane Kruger.

The Gladiator star Russell Crowe had a close connection to the designer, who was known to admirers in the fashion industry as Re Giorgio, or King Giorgio.