Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani has passed away at the age of 91.
According to Reuters on the 4th, the fashion corporation Armani Group announced in a statement, "With immense sorrow, we share the news of the passing of Giorgio Armani, the creator, founder, and unwavering driving force of the brand."
Armani, who had been in poor health for a while, reportedly did not attend his brand's show at the Milan Men's Fashion Week last June. This marked his first absence in his career.
The group reported that he closed his eyes surrounded by his loved ones.
Nicknamed "the emperor of elegance" and "the master of minimalism," Armani has been synonymous with modern Italian style, leading a company that generates annual revenue of approximately 2.3 billion euros (about 2.8 trillion won) by combining his unique sense and business insight.
Well known by the nickname "Re Giorgio (King Giorgio)," he was famous for personally overseeing every detail of the collection, from advertising to the hairstyles of models walking the runway.
The company plans to set up a mourning hall in Milan this upcoming weekend. The funeral will be held privately.