The fashion world said goodbye to a legend in September 2025. Designer Giorgio Armani passed away at the age of 91 after an undisclosed illness. News outlets, including Us Weekly, confirmed his death on September 4, 2025. This marked the end of an illustrious career, but not the end of his empire. Armani had wisely put plans in motion for his family to carry on his iconic business.
The Armani Group released a heartfelt statement, sharing the sad news. They described him as their "creator, founder, and tireless driver." Employees and partners respectfully called him "Il Signor Armani." He passed peacefully, surrounded by those he loved. The statement highlighted his incredible work ethic, noting he worked on his company, collections, and future projects until his final days. Giorgio Armani built a vision that went beyond fashion, influencing all parts of life with his clear ideas and smart thinking. He was always curious and paid close attention to the present and to people. The company confirmed that the Armani brand, which will always show the spirit of its founder, will continue under the guidance of his family and trusted collaborators.
Long before his passing, at 83 years old in 2017, Armani told The Telegraph that he wasn’t thinking about a successor. He simply said, "I’d say I’m working more." However, by 2023, court documents in Milan, reported by Reuters, revealed a clearer plan. His nieces, Silvana and Roberta Armani, his nephew Andrea Camerana, his sister Rosanna, and long-time collaborator Pantaleo Dell’Orco were named as the expected heirs to take over the fashion house.
Armani himself spoke about the future in April 2024 to Bloomberg. He preferred the company stay independent. "I don’t currently foresee an acquisition by a large luxury conglomerate," he stated. He also mentioned that going public was an option they hadn’t discussed much, but one they might consider "in the distant future." What mattered most to him was that "a group of trusted people" would lead the brand. He reflected on his journey, saying, "I started alone with a small company and I have been transforming it, little by little, into a group of international relevance." He believed his success came from his "ability to adapt to changing times."
Who Were Giorgio Armani’s Parents?
Giorgio was one of three children born to Ugo Armani and Maria Raimondi. His father, Ugo, worked as an accountant. Giorgio once told The Telegraph about his father’s style: "He was very elegant. Very simple, but neat." He noted his father was a "clean-looking man who didn’t have much time because he had to work." Ugo had to support three children and didn’t have many chances to step outside his usual life. Giorgio always appreciated that his father made sure the family had everything they needed. He also pointed out his mother, Maria Raimondi, for her simple elegance.
Giorgio Armani Had Two Siblings
Giorgio Armani and his sister, Rosanna, in September 1990. James Andanson/Sygma via Getty Images
Giorgio also had a sister, Rosanna, and a brother, Sergio. Both siblings worked with Giorgio’s famous brand. Rosanna even modeled for Armani’s Spring/Summer campaign in 1979, wearing a chic business suit.
Did Giorgio Armani Have Children?
Giorgio Armani did not have children of his own. However, he carefully planned for the future of his company. He appointed his nieces, Silvana and Roberta Armani, along with his nephew, Andrea Camerana, as heirs to his brand. This showed his trust in his family to continue his legacy.
Was Giorgio Armani Ever Married?
Giorgio never married. Yet, he shared a long and meaningful relationship with Sergio Galeotti, an architect who also co-founded the Armani brand. Sadly, Galeotti passed away in 1985 at the age of 40 due to an illness related to AIDS.
Years after Galeotti’s death, Giorgio often thought about their shared work and legacy. In a 2024 Instagram post, he recalled the birth of the Emporio Armani eagle logo. "My partner Sergio Galeotti called me in 1981 to tell me we urgently needed a logo for this new line called Emporio Armani," he shared. "So, with the phone in one hand and a pen in the other, I drew an eagle, which for me symbolized the unattainable." He explained that wearing clothes with this logo made new generations feel like part of a loyal group. He added, "Today, the eagle still has the same meaning for me as it did back then. It is a powerful bird and in that power lies the feeling of reaching new heights."
What Has Giorgio Armani’s Family Said About His Passing?
In a touching statement signed by both his family and employees, they expressed their deep commitment to his vision. "In this company, we have always felt like part of a family," the statement read. "Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion, and dedication." They pledged to carry on his work: "But it is precisely with his spirit that we, the employees and the family members who have always worked alongside Mr. Armani, commit ourselves to protect what he built and to carry forward his company in his memory, with respect, responsibility, and love."