Giorgio Armani, the celebrated Italian fashion designer, has died at the age of 91, prompting an outpouring of tributes from designers, celebrities and political figures. The Armani Group announced his death on Thursday, with Donatella Versace writing on Instagram: 'The world lost a giant today. He made history and will be remembered forever.'
Long-serving Vogue editor Anna Wintour reflected on his wide influence, noting that 'for him fashion wasn't one thing: it was also film, music, sport, art, design, and architecture, and he left his mark in all these worlds.' Valentino Garavani described Armani as 'a friend, never a rival … I can only bow to his immense talent.' Ralph Lauren called him 'a designer who never strayed from his vision.'
Julia Roberts, whose oversized Armani suit became an iconic Golden Globes look, wrote that Armani was 'a true friend. A legend.' Russell Crowe recounted how losing his bags at Cannes in 1997 led him to discover the designer, adding: 'I adored him. He was so kind.' Cate Blanchett said: 'The private man leaves a void that is impossible to fill.'
Known as the 'king of the blazer,' Armani pioneered soft power dressing and revolutionised red-carpet fashion, dressing stars from Diane Keaton to Richard Gere. Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, praised him as 'an icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best of Italy.'
