On Thursday, September 4th, 2025 a tragedy in the fashion world was announced: Giorgio Armani, Italian designer and globally loved fashion icon passed away, from apparent complications of AIDS according to The New York Times and other connected sources. However, his official reason for death has not been released. The Armani group explain he was “working until his final days” but passed away very peacefully.
Armani, the Italian fashion giant died in his home in Italy, and his funeral was held on Monday, September 8th; A private funeral consisting of his close friends and family. The rest of his family, such as his sister and nieces are still actively involved in the company.
Though Armani was an Italian fashion company, his name and designs were and still are loved all over the world. Armani was known for its professionalism, elegance and poised looks. Early on in the rising popularity of Armani, he was first recognized for his strong features and good looks. As the early fashion designer turned into a fashion giant, he was known by Italian media as King Giorgio, or even the godfather of the fashion industry.
He made his debut on the red carpet in 1978. From there, he’s effortlessly and beautifully styled many iconic celebrities for decades including Sophia Loren, Diane Keaton, Anna Hathaway, Richard Gere, Leonardo DiCaprio and even Princess Charlene of Monaco, who wore Armani as her wedding gown. It is hard to find just one celebrity who hasn’t been affiliated with Armani before.
Just a week before his death, Armani was interviewed by Financial Times, and talked about how he did not attend his runway shows in Milan for the very first time, due to an illness. However, he ensured that he “oversaw every aspect of the show remotely”.
To make things even more intriguing in the fashion industry, Armani is closing Milan Fashion Week this fall, in just a couple weeks. This was planned weeks before his death, when all the Fashion week lineups came out. We can only hope there will be a heartfelt tribute for him at the end of the show!
But what comes after Armani? Who will be taking over Armani? With their authority in the company, a combination of Armani’s family members are in line for his succession plan. As mentioned, these include his sister, Rosanna Armani, his nieces Silvana and Roberta Armani, his nephew Andrea Camerana and outside his family, his long-term collaborator, Leo Dell’Orca is also a possible replacement.
People all across the world are devastated by the news of the fashionably late Giorgio Armani, that includes those at Bethpage High School.
BHS junior Danielle Betwinek hopes that they have a tribute at the Milan Fashion Show.
“I think it would be great if they display photos of his most famous work at the end,” she said.
When asked about how he might have an even more lasting impact on society, Danielle explained, “Hopefully his designs would become even more popular among different age groups, and other stores might try to replicate his style in honor of him.”
Mr Malossi feels that “Armani is one of those geniuses that only come along once in a generation.” He jokingly added, “I wanted an Armani suit, but I wanted to eventually send my kids to college instead.”
I think a lot of us want to own something by Armani, and he is most certainly not somebody another designer could easily replicate!
Giorgio Armani has been and will always be one of the most iconic and influential factors of both fashion history and the entire industry. He will be remembered by the celebrities he impacted, the styles he influenced and the creative and talented person he is.
