The world of haute couture is in mourning. Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91—a man whose name became synonymous with impeccable style, elegance, and understated luxury. His passing is not just a loss for the industry; it marks the end of an era that left an indelible mark on culture, especially in cinema, where his creations have graced red carpets for decades.
Armani was more than a designer. He was an architect of image, a sculptor who worked with fabric rather than clay. He dressed the most sophisticated members of royal families and first ladies, but his true passion was always cinema. He built a bridge between Milan and Hollywood, transforming fashion shows into events on par with film premieres. Top-tier stars, from Cate Blanchett to Naomi Watts, considered it an honor to appear in his designs. Spain was no exception—Pedro Almodóvar’s muse, Penélope Cruz, has repeatedly chosen Armani dresses for milestone moments in her career, highlighting a special bond between the maestro and Spanish cinema.
News of his passing sparked a wave of mourning around the world. Social media was filled with touching posts from those who knew him personally or simply admired his genius. Julia Roberts, whose friendship with the designer lasted many years, was among the first to respond to the sad news. She called him a true friend and a legend, accompanying her words with a photo of them together from almost six years ago at The Fashion Awards in London, where they arrived together. Her brief but heartfelt message reflected the feelings of many.
Donatella Versace, head of the rival fashion house, noted that the world had lost a giant who made history and will remain forever in memory. Actor Samuel L. Jackson agreed with her, thanking Armani for years of friendship, collaboration, and dedication to his visionary art. Italian singer Laura Pausini admitted it was an honor for her to know the ‘King’, and that everything he taught her was invaluable. The designer’s models and muses, such as Antonia Dell’Atte and Nati Abascal, also shared very personal memories, highlighting his human qualities: dedication, hard work, and the ability to be a true friend. They speak of him not as an unattainable icon, but as someone close, whose legacy is not just clothing, but a life’s example.
Armani’s influence was felt throughout Spain, from Madrid’s stylish boutiques to Barcelona’s cutting-edge showrooms. His tailored yet feminine silhouettes redefined both business and evening wear, and his contributions to cinema—including styling Spanish actresses—have become part of history. The maestro’s passing marks a quiet finale to a brilliant and remarkably beautiful story of talent that captivated the world.
