Giorgio Armani, celebrated Italian fashion designer, dies at 91

Giorgio Armani, the celebrated Italian fashion designer who built a global empire, has died at the age of 91, his company said yesterday.

- Chloe Mac Donnell

"With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani," the fashion house said in a statement.

His vast portfolio included the Giorgio Armani and Emporio Armani apparel lines alongside the haute couture label Armani Privé and an Armani Casa design and interiors line.

He was absent from his last three shows, held in June and July, owing to illness. He had been expected to attend the brand's 50th anniversary celebrations later this month, including a landmark exhibition at the Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan.

The founder and sole shareholder of Giorgio Armani SpA, Armani reportedly refused numerous offers to become part of one of the big four luxury fashion conglomerates. He described the independence of his brand as "an essential value".

His inaugural 1975 presentation pioneered the idea of soft power dressing, earning him the title "King of the Blazer". His proposition of fluid rather than structured suiting featuring longer-cut suit jackets, loosely pleated trousers and floor-sweeping belted coats formed an entirely new approach to dressing.