Armani, legendary Italian fashion designer, dies at 91

Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer who redefined modern fashion and built a global empire in his own name, has died aged 91.

- ELLIE MUIR GREG EVANS

From Piacenza, near Milan - the city that shaped him, Armani rose from modest beginnings to become a billionaire whose understated suits transformed how men and women dressed in the late 20th century. His name became a global shorthand for elegance, worn in boardrooms, on red carpets and on cinema screens. He died at home yesterday.

At the time of his death, Armani's fortune was estimated at $12.1bn (£9bn). He remained sole shareholder and chief executive of the house he created in 1975, presiding over an empire that stretched from Emporio and Armani Exchange to haute couture, hotels, restaurants, cosmetics and homeware.

He had been in declining health and was forced to withdraw from Milan Men's Fashion Week in June - the first time in his career he had missed a show in the city where his career began.

“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.

A funeral chamber will be opened in Milan tomorrow and Sunday, the company said, with a private service to follow at a later date.

With one of the most recognisable names in fashion, Armani is regarded by historians and critics as among the most influential European designers of the 20th century. Known in Italy as “Re Giorgio” – King Giorgio – he was celebrated for his exacting standards, personally overseeing everything from advertising campaigns to the way models’ hair was styled before stepping on the runway.