Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian designer who transformed the world of fashion, died on September 4, 2025, at the age of 91 due to liver failure. In the wake of his passing, tributes have poured in from across the globe, with the fashion industry rallying to honor his extraordinary legacy. As Milan prepares to host a series of events commemorating both the man and the brand, the world pauses to reflect on the indelible mark Armani left on style, culture, and countless lives.
Armani’s passing has not slowed the momentum of the empire he built. According to the Associated Press, the designer worked on his final collections and an ambitious 50th anniversary exhibition until the very end. These events, which will proceed as planned during Milan Fashion Week, are a testament to the enduring influence and work ethic that defined Armani’s career. The fashion house emphasized its determination to carry forward "a legacy of commitment, respect and dedication to work"—values Armani himself instilled over decades at the helm.
The centerpiece of the tribute will be a major retrospective exhibition, opening September 24 at the Pinacoteca di Brera museum in Milan. This show will feature 150 archival looks, each placed alongside artistic masterpieces, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the creative journey of a designer who redefined elegance. The exhibition is more than a celebration; it’s a marker of the 50th anniversary of the Giorgio Armani brand, a milestone few fashion houses ever reach. As Devdiscourse News Desk reported, the exhibition and scheduled runway shows are intended to honor Armani’s enduring influence and the values that shaped his brand from the beginning.
The final Emporio Armani Spring/Summer 2026 collection, crafted under Armani’s guidance, will be previewed on September 25. Just days later, on September 28, the Giorgio Armani Spring/Summer 2026 collection will close out Milan Fashion Week—a fitting tribute to a man whose shows have long been the highlight of the city’s most glamorous week. These events, the company noted, are not merely about fashion, but about preserving and celebrating the vision and principles that Armani championed throughout his life.
In another nod to his enduring legacy, Armani’s fashion house released an online archive, Armani/Archivio, on August 30 during the Venice Biennale film festival. This digital collection gives fans and scholars alike unprecedented access to decades of groundbreaking designs, reflecting Armani’s commitment to both innovation and transparency. The online archive ensures that his creative spirit will continue to inspire new generations, even as the industry mourns his loss.
Armani’s impact, however, reaches far beyond the runway. Former workers and colleagues have described him as "like a father," according to MSN. The designer’s personal touch, often characterized by a quiet generosity and unwavering support, left a deep impression on those who worked alongside him. For many, Armani was not only a boss but a mentor and a source of inspiration—a man who demanded excellence but also cared deeply for the people around him.
It is this combination of personal warmth and professional rigor that made Armani a singular figure in the fashion world. As Deadline reported, Italian producer Andrea Iervolino recently announced a forthcoming movie biopic dedicated to Armani’s life and achievements. The project, in development for several months, is described by Iervolino as "a personal desire to pay tribute to one of the greatest innovators of international fashion and an indelible symbol of Italian identity worldwide." The screenplay will be penned by Bobby Moresco, known for his work on Crash and the upcoming Maserati: The Brothers biopic. While it remains unclear whether the film will delve into Armani’s intensely private personal life or focus solely on his professional journey, the goal is clear: to tell the story of the man behind the icon.
Iervolino expressed his motivation succinctly: "We all know the Armani brand, but we don’t always truly know the man Giorgio Armani: his story, the sacrifices, the vision that made possible an Italian dream recognized everywhere. As an Italian, I feel a duty to honor someone who elevated the name of our country so highly." He continued, "I believe this project represents a source of pride for all Italians and a tribute that the Armani heirs can receive with respect and affection." The film, still in the early stages, aims to capture the essence of Armani’s journey—one marked by innovation, sacrifice, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Armani’s story is, in many ways, the story of modern Italian fashion. Rising from humble beginnings, he built a global empire that came to symbolize understated luxury and effortless sophistication. His designs, known for their clean lines and impeccable tailoring, revolutionized the way people dressed and thought about clothing. Yet, as Iervolino and others have noted, the man himself remained enigmatic—a private figure whose personal relationships, such as his long partnership with Sergio Galeotti, added depth and complexity to his public persona.
The Armani brand’s decision to proceed with fashion shows and exhibitions, even in the wake of its founder’s death, is a testament to the strength and resilience of the organization he created. The company’s leadership has made it clear that honoring Armani means more than looking back; it means carrying his vision forward, adapting to new challenges while remaining true to the values that defined his career. As Devdiscourse emphasized, these events are about gratitude and determination—a collective promise to preserve the visionary’s work and principles for generations to come.
For the millions who have been touched by Armani’s designs—whether on the red carpet, in the boardroom, or simply in everyday life—the coming weeks offer a chance to celebrate a legacy that is both deeply personal and profoundly universal. Through exhibitions, runway shows, and soon, a major motion picture, Giorgio Armani’s story will continue to unfold, inspiring all who believe in the power of creativity, discipline, and vision.
In the end, Armani’s greatest achievement may be the world he helped create: one where elegance is accessible, innovation is prized, and the human touch matters most. As Milan prepares to honor its favorite son, the fashion world—and indeed, the world at large—remembers not just a designer, but a true original whose influence will be felt for decades to come.
