Giorgio Armani was Italy’s top fashion designer, known for defining modern elegance. He passed away on September 4, 2025, at the age of 91. The Armani Group, in a statement, confirmed with infinite sorrow that they have announced the passing of Giorgio. He was the creator, founder, and tireless driving force. Over the weekend, from September 6 to 7, 2025, a funeral chamber has been organised, and a private funeral will follow.
Armani was the epitome of the changing face of the fashion industry, known for maintaining a soft, minimalist, and high-end aesthetic on the red carpet. However, do you know the net worth of the Giorgio Armani fashion empire that Giorgio created in 1975? Prior to his death, Armani was both the CEO and the sole shareholder of the Armani Group. The Armani business expanded its wings in sports, music, as well as luxurious Italian restaurants.
Do you know Giorgio Armani’s net worth is estimated to be around USD 12.1 billion
Armani was also the owner of Olimpia Milano, an Italian basketball team, and had investments in luxurious hotels, real estate, and a 200-foot yacht. According to a report by The Economic Times, the Armani Group has consistently remained a powerhouse in the realm of luxurious fashion. It generated USD 2.3 billion, and Armani’s brand became a symbol of defined style and minimal tailoring. According to a Forbes report, Armani’s net worth is around USD 12.1 billion as of 2025.
Armani’s fortune was built through his self-founded company, Giorgio Armani, which he established with his partner, Sergio Galeotti, an architect. Armani had no children, and soon before his demise, he had spoken about the succession plan for his business. Earlier, in an interview with the Financial Express, Armani shared:
“My plans for succession consist of a gradual transition of the responsibilities that I have always handled to those closest to me…such as Leo Dell’Orco, the members of my family and the entire working team.”
Giorgio Armani studied medicine and worked as a window dresser before becoming a billionaire
Armani’s life was not initially destined for the fashion world. He began with a humble start before becoming a global powerhouse. Armani reportedly studied medicine for three years before he changed his path. He had first worked as a window dresser, then as a designer for Nino Cerruti. It was in 1956 when he took a medicine degree, and after three years, he joined the army. He was tired of army life, and then he got a job as a window dresser back at La Rinascente. It was a department store in Milan where he then advanced through the ranks.
Designers mostly learn their craft at fashion schools, but Armani got everything on the floor of the shop. He gathered knowledge on fabrics, what customers liked, and visited textile mills, becoming an expert in how clothes were made. He used his knowledge to learn the art of tailoring. Armani, who worked as a window dresser, was soon told by Nino to restructure the approach of the company.
How did Giorgio Armani create a household name?
Armani was known for creating unstructured jackets, characterised by soft silhouettes, in contrast to the rigid tailoring method of the 1970s. Armani’s collaboration with Galeotti changed the destiny of men’s and women’s wardrobes. His designs were neutral, versatile and screamed of contemporary elan. It was in the 1980s when Armani created a household name for himself when Richard Gere wore the Armani suit in the movie, American Gigolo. The brand, thanks to Hollywood exposure, came into the limelight, and then stars like Michelle Pfeiffer and John Travolta fell in love with his creation. Armani then became the designer of red carpets and luxury fashion.
Giorgio Armani’s revenue skyrocketed in billions due to expansion
Armani then expanded into perfumes, eyewear, and various diffusion lines, including Emporio Armani and Armani Exchange. Varied segments of the market were targeted, and he also carved out a niche in sports, designing uniforms for the Italian Olympic team. Armani also acquired Olimpia Milano, which is one of the top basketball clubs in Europe. He then entered the hospitality industry, creating Armani Hotels in Dubai and Milan, where fashion and lifestyle branding were prevalent. Armani also launched interior design lines, such as Armani/Casa, and was known to have a massive real estate portfolio. He also has a 200-foot luxury yacht and has showcased his diverse investments.
Giorgio Armani was an openly LGBT designer, and his business did not suffer loss after his partner, Sergio Galeotti, died
Armani is known to be Italy’s third biggest fashion brand, leaving behind Gucci and Prada. His diversification made him the richest designer worldwide. According to Forbes, Armani was one of Italy’s richest people and the third richest after Giovanni Ferrero and Andrea Pignataro. Armani was known to lead a private life and was reportedly the wealthiest openly LGBT person. Even after Sergio passed away untimely in 1985, Armani, with his discipline, continued to look after the business empire. Armani was always involved in every aspect of his Armani Group. Right from direction, design, and campaigns, the Armani brand was known for the personal touch of the designer. When his partner passed away, he took complete ownership of the Armani Group, gaining creative freedom and financial independence.
Giorgio Armani has marked the end of an era with his demise, and his legacy will be taken forward not just via his designs but via the empire he created with his sweat.
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