The Italian fashion designer and billionaire brand owner Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91.
He was the archetype of Italian style and elegance, reimagining men's and women's suits for a modern audience.
His company Armani expanded from fashion into an empire spanning beauty, fragrance, music, sport, and even luxury hotels, bringing in more than £2bn a year.
Donatella Versace paid tribute to the late designer on her Instagram page, posting a picture of him, saying: The world lost a giant today, he made history and will be remembered forever.
In a statement on the brand's Instagram page, it said Armani worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and the many ongoing future projects. It also said he was indefatigable to the end and driven by relentless curiosity and a deep attention to the present and to people.
The designer was seen as a pioneer in many ways, elevating red carpet fashion to what we see today.
He was also the first designer to ban underweight models from the runway, after the death of model Ana Carolina Reston in 2006 from anorexia nervosa.
Russell Crowe described Armani as a man who made a mark acknowledged around the globe. The actor said he adored Armani and was meant to be seeing him this month, adding that the designer was there for so many significant moments in my life.
Julia Roberts shared a picture of herself in an Armani dress alongside the designer on Instagram with the words A true friend. A legend and a heartbreak emoji.
British designer Paul Smith also spoke about his dear friend and fellow designer.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also paid tribute, saying: With his elegance, sobriety, and creativity, he was able to bring lustre to Italian fashion and inspire the entire world.
An icon, a tireless worker, a symbol of the best of Italy. Thank you for everything.
Even as he entered his 10th decade, Armani continued to present new collections on the French and Italian catwalks, showcasing his dedication to the industry.
Armani's legacy is intertwined with profound changes in fashion norms, and his influence will resonate with future generations, ensuring that his contributions to style remain a lasting testament to his visionary work.
