By Dana Thomas for Bloomberg

September 5, 2025

Giorgio Armani with models in 1982. *Photographer: Vittoriano Rastelli/Getty Images*

Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who died at home in Milan yesterday at 91, was what the French call “un grand monsieur”—a great gentleman. Yes, he ran a multibillion-dollar global corporation that included fashion from jeans to couture, homeware, hotels, restaurants, beauty—even flowers. And he had a slew of gorgeous homes in gorgeous places, like Saint-Tropez, where he’d spend July, and the Italian island of Pantelleria, where he’d go in August, as well as a 65-meter (213-foot) superyacht, Main, on which he cruised the Mediterranean.

But there is far more to his greatness than immense power and wealth. Mr. Armani (it was always Mr. Armani) commanded a level of respect—even reverence—rarely seen in the business. Unlike so very many of his confreres, Mr. Armani did not instill fear in his subordinates, nor did he behave like a diva. He had a quiet, medi…

Dana Thomas

Giorgio Armani Was the Last Great Gentleman…

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