[ad_1]
Partner Italian designer Donatela Versace posted a picture of Armani on Instagram and wrote that he made history. He wrote, “Today the world lost a veteran.” Armani was famous as ‘Ri Georgio’ or ‘King Georgio’. He founded his own company in 1975. It soon became synonymous with attractive style which extended from fashion to every aspect of life. The biggest moment of success came in 1980 when this company designed a suit worn by Richard Gere in the film ‘American Jigolo’. After this it turned into a global empire which included Haute Couture (expensive and high-quality clothes) to high-world fashion, glasses to shoes and even household items.
American film stars Richard Gere and Lauren Hutton wore Armani’s clothes.
From simple start to ‘King Georgio’
Born on 11 July 1934 in Piyasenja, Northern Italy, Giorgio was three siblings. His father used to work as an accountant. After the Second War, he spent a difficult childhood. He admitted, “It was very bad. We had nothing special. Nothing used to eat. It was very difficult to feed us my mother.” Armani stepped into the education world with the initial ambitions to study medical studies, but this subject was very dull according to her choice. So he gave up studies. After this, he changed his path. First worked as a window dresser and later as a designer for Nino Seruti. With adequate experience and confidence at the age of 41 in 1975, he and his fellow Sergio Geloti launched their own label Georgio Armani Spa.
Richard Gere recognized the brand
Armani was successful in the 80s when Richard Gere wore Armani’s suits in the film ‘American Jigolo’. It made the brand into the headlines worldwide and made Armani a well-known name. Soon from Mitchell Fifer to John Travolta, the stars adopted their designs and made him a favorite designer for both red carpet and everyday luxury. But Armani was not limited to clothes. He also expanded in many other categories like Perfume, Iewear, Emporio Armani and Armani Exchange.
He targeted various areas of the global market. His company’s revenue reached Arabs, while his boutiques spread across the continents. He also established a global hospitality business, including hotels, cafes, restaurants and bars. Which had the same grandeur as his fashion line. The center of his hospitality business is Armani Hotels developed in partnership with Emar Properties in Dubai. As a sports fan, he designed suits for Chelsea and England Football Team. Dress for the Italian Olympic team in 2012.
Armani worked tirelessly till his death at the age of 91 and created an empire like a king through his fashion and hospitality business. According to Reuters, his company does about $ 2.7 billion annually. Even though the profit has reduced between the widespread industry recession, the company remains very attractive. This is said by experts like Luxury Advisory firm Orteli & Company Managing partner Mario Orteli.
208th position in Forbes list
Forbes has ranked Armani 208th in the list of billionaires. Whose total assets are $ 12.1 billion, which was $ 5.4 in 2020. According to Forbes, he was the third richest Italian after the Giovanani pharyro and Andrea Pignataro. Armani’s property was his fashion empire, which he was the CEO and the only shareholder till his death. He was also the owner of the famous basketball team Olympia Milano. He made significant invested in luxury hotels and real estate. He also has a 200 -foot -long yacht.
Who will be the successor of property
While the world is mourning the death of Armani. At the same time, his death questions the future of his company and his billions of dollars, which he used to cherish very much. Armani did not have any children of his own, so many people are raising the question of who will take their place? However, during his lifetime, Armani had prepared a succession plan, which he shared with the financial time. He said, “My plan of succession involves gradually assigning the responsibilities that I have always handled … such as Leo del’oco, my family members and the entire team.” In the interview, Armani said that he wants his succession to be ‘natural’, not ‘a moment of disintegration’.
Will family members take over the empire
It is believed that Armani’s empire of several billion dollars will now go into the hands of his family members. Which includes his niece Silvana and Roberta Armani, his nephew Andrea Camerarana and his right hand Pantallio del’Orokes. Silvana continued to work with her uncle in Armani designs with her and kept running a collection of women’s clothes. Meanwhile, her late brother Sergio’s daughter Roberta is working as a public relations director of Armani and is working as a bridge between the brand and Hollywood. It is said that Roberta planned to marry Tom Cruise and Katy Holmes in an Italian palace in 2006 and Armani himself designed the apparel of both the bride and groom.
Armani’s nephew Andrea joined the company in 2000 and worked as both consultant and licensing director. He eventually became Armani’s Sustainability Managing Director and focuses on the environmental policies of the brand. There are also del’Orokes, who have been associated with the company since 1977 and are currently head of the men’s style office. He is called Armani’s right hand who often appeared with a designer in various fashion shows, honor ceremonies and programs. In fact, in June 2025, when Armani could not join the men’s dress show during Milan Fashion Week for the first time in 50 years, Del’Orocko took charge.
What did he write in a will
Armani, who lives independent throughout his life, has also written in his will that no major merger or IPO will be allowed until five years after his death, so that a round of stability can be ensured. Along with this, he tried to protect his brand from possible acquisitions by veteran companies like LVMH or Kairing. It remains to be seen what happens to the Armani brand, but one thing is certain, whoever takes it in his hand will have difficulty in remaining the reputation of a person called ‘Legend’ by celebrities like Julia Roberts, Cindy Crawford and Victoria Beckham.
[ad_2]
