Legendary Italian fashion designer and billionaire brand owner Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91. He was the archetype of Italian style and elegance, reimagining men’s and women’s suits for a modern audience.
Armani, which began as a fashion company, expanded into beauty, fragrance, music, sport, and even luxury hotels. As the world mourns the passing of a visionary designer, we take a look at some of his most iconic fashion moments that continue to shape the way we see style and luxury today.
Richard Gere
The fashion moment that truly launched Armani into global stardom came in 1980 with Richard Gere in the film American Gigolo. Gere’s character Julian wore Armani’s revolutionary soft-shouldered suits that broke away from the rigid, structured menswear of the era.
The fluid, unlined jackets and relaxed silhouettes created a new masculine ideal that was both powerful and sensual. It marked a cultural shift that made Armani synonymous with sophisticated masculinity.
Michelle Pfeiffer
Armani redefined power dressing through his collaboration with actor Michelle Pfeiffer in the late 1980s and 1990s. Her appearances in Armani’s fluid, architectural pieces showed how femininity and strength could coexist. Pfeiffer’s red carpet moments in Armani’s signature draped silhouettes and neutral palettes became the template for modern celebrity dressing.
Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt wore a Giorgio Armani Privé gown at Cannes this year (Source: instagram/Giorgio Armani )
Alia Bhatt’s appearance at Cannes 2025 marked a defining moment for both Bollywood fashion and Armani’s global influence. Alia Bhatt showcased her second look at Cannes 2025, stunning in a blue bejewelled Armani Privé gown. The actor transformed into what many described as a bejewelled goddess, with her glittering headpiece stealing the show at the red carpet.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio’s long-standing relationship with Armani has produced countless memorable red carpet moments. His appearances at major award ceremonies in Armani’s impeccably tailored tuxedos have consistently demonstrated the designer’s ability to create menswear that is both contemporary and timeless.
Cate Blanchett
Cate Blanchett has been a longtime Armani muse, regularly choosing the designer for major premieres and award ceremonies. As the global ambassador for Armani Beauty, her appearances in Armani’s structured yet flowing gowns have showcased the designer’s ability to create pieces that are both architectural and feminine.
The Indian connection
Giorgio Armani’s influence extended significantly into the Indian market, particularly within Bollywood circles. The designer recognised the importance of the Indian luxury market and adapted his offerings accordingly.
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In 2019, Armani launched an Indian ethnic wear wedding collection, drawing inspiration from the designer’s trip to the country in 1994. The brand maintained its signature minimalist aesthetic even as Indian luxury leaned toward artisanal maximalism.
Armani’s fashion legacy was built on the understanding that true style came from the marriage of craftsmanship, elegance, and the wearer’s individual personality. Even as he adapted to different cultural requirements and aesthetic preferences, Armani’s disciplined minimalism found its place, proving that great design transcends cultural boundaries.
