“Elegance is not about being seen, it’s about being remembered.” Giorgio Armani, who passed away in September 2025 at the age of 91, left an indelible legacy of elegance in the fashion world and beyond. Dubbed the “master of minimalism,” his journey was a revolution in designing zeitgeist beyond mere clothes.

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a gentle revolution that took Hollywood by storm

in 1980, the Armani suit worn by Richard Gere in the film American Gigolo changed the course of menswear history. Deconstructed with rigid shoulder pads and structures in favor of a cardigan-like silhouette, the ‘soft suit’ exuded comfort and sophistication instead of authority, and soon became the new uniform for men in the 80s.

expanding a fashion empire

armani’s vision didn’t stop at a single brand; he expanded his empire by tapping into the needs of the times and different generations.

the first gesture toward youth: emporio Armani

in 1981, he launched Emporio Armani, a second line aimed at young people. Its affordable prices and trendy designs won over young consumers, and its eagle logo became a symbol of youth.

a bold move to the high street: A|X Armani Exchange

in 1991, Armani made waves again with the launch of the street-inspired A|X Armani Exchange in New York City. this attempt to bring luxury down to the realm of everyday life was met with an explosive response from young people around the world.

peaks and valleys in design philosophy

his design world continued to evolve and deepen.

the perfection of minimalism, the 90s

in the 1990s, Armani’s extreme lack of embellishment, neutral color palettes, and fluid silhouettes exuded a “quiet confidence.” His ‘Greige’ colored suits, in particular, were a staple for the working man of the time and an icon of the era.

armani Privé: an elegant ascent into haute couture

at the age of 70, he stunned everyone when he debuted his haute couture line Armani Privé in Paris. The impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail behind his understated designs proved why he was called ‘The Emperor’.

inspiration from East and West

drawing on his deep understanding of Indian and Japanese culture, he incorporated Eastern elements into his designs. The saris of the Indian royal family and the kimonos and origami folds of Japan were combined with Armani’s signature modern silhouettes to create a new level of aesthetics.

a visionary ahead of his time

armani was more than just a designer, he was a leader of his time. He expanded fashion into a lifestyle with the opening of the first Armani Hotel in Dubai’s Burj Khalifa in 2010; he paved the way for sustainable luxury by being the first in the industry to declare himself “fur-free,” meaning no fur at all; and during the COVID-19 pandemic, he was the first to decide to show without a crowd, setting a new standard for safety and innovation in the industry.

giorgio Armani was a lifelong bachelor who built his namesake brand into a global fashion empire. His physical body is no longer with us, but his ‘remembered elegance’ will live on forever.