Giorgio Armani, the “King” and founder of the eponymous brand that has redefined elegance over the past fifty years, passed away today at the age of 91. Born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, he entered the fashion world after studying medicine for three years at the University of Milan, a path interrupted by military service. After completing his service, he began working at Rinascente Group as a sales clerk until 1965, where he was noticed by designer Nino Cerruti, who hired him to redesign the “Hitman” label. It was, however, only ten years later that Armani decided to establish his own company. From that moment on, through red carpets and runways, Armani did not just dress actors, singers, and celebrities of every generation—he brought to the world his vision of essential elegance, a unique intersection of luxury and simplicity. In the collective imagination, Armani’s fashion remains a symbol of clean lines, in contrast to the extravagance and flashiness of what is known as “Loud Luxury”. “Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by someone who founded this family and nurtured it with vision, passion, and dedication. It is in his spirit that we, the employees, and the family members who have always worked alongside Mr. Armani, commit to protecting what he built and carrying his company forward in his memory—with respect, responsibility, and love,” reads a message from the company and the family.