The fashion world is in mourning following the passing of Giorgio Armani, the visionary Italian designer who died peacefully at 91 on September 4, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. His brand, the Armani Group, announced the news with “infinite sorrow,” calling him the “tireless driving force” behind a global empire that redefined modern elegance.
Armani wasn’t just a designer; he was a cultural architect whose minimalist aesthetic softened the sharp edges of high fashion, making sophistication feel effortless. From the red carpet to ready-to-wear, his influence was unparalleled, creating a legacy that extends far beyond the runway into real estate, hospitality, and even professional sports.
When it comes to Armani’s net worth, figures vary slightly depending on the source, but all agree on one thing: his wealth was staggering. Forbes estimated his fortune at around $12.1 billion, while the Bloomberg Billionaires Index placed it at approximately $9.4 billion. This immense wealth was primarily built on his Giorgio Armani fashion empire, which he founded in 1975 and grew into a powerhouse generating €2.3 billion ($2.7 billion) in annual revenue.
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As the sole shareholder and CEO until his death, he maintained full control over a brand that expanded into perfumes, accessories, makeup, luxury hotels, and even the Italian basketball club Olimpia Milano. His investments also included prime real estate and a stunning 200-foot yacht, reflecting a lifestyle as refined as his collections.
Inside Armani’s Global Property Portfolio
Giorgio Armani’s personal homes were more than just residences; they were living laboratories for his design philosophy and the inspiration behind his Armani/Casa furniture line, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. Each property reflected a deep connection to its location while embodying that unmistakable “Armani” essence, a harmony of clean lines, sophisticated comfort, and luxurious materials.
His retreat in Saint-Tropez, France, was a Provençal-inspired country house by the sea, featuring a façade of rustic stucco and a Portuguese tile roof. Inside, minimalist Asian aesthetics blended seamlessly with Art Deco pieces from his Armani/Casa collection, like the Camus desk, which felt perfectly at home among local antiques.
On the volcanic island of Pantelleria, Armani masterfully combined traditional local stone houses, known as dammusi, into a serene estate centered around a garden oasis. Here, modern Armani/Casa furnishings mingled with flea market discoveries and exotic touches, creating a space that felt both curated and spontaneous. The woven wicker “Pantelleria” chair, one of his first designs for Armani/Casa, still held pride of place here, alongside the sinuous Borromini chaise that echoed the curves of the comma-shaped pool. In Milan, his home featured life-sized stuffed animals like Uri the gorilla, a touch of whimsy he described as his signature way of making spaces feel lived-in and personal.
But perhaps none of his homes captured the imagination quite like his Upper West Side apartment in New York City. Housed in a 1929 Neo-Renaissance building designed by Schwartz & Gross, the apartment offered breathtaking views of Central Park and the skyline. Armani was drawn to the building’s sense of history and grandeur—it was once owned by William Randolph Hearst—and he filled the space with a fusion of European elegance and New York energy.
Original stained-glass windows reminiscent of Gothic churches added character, while the interiors showcased his signature palette of hushed colors and seductive textures. He loved to entertain here, serving classic Italian dishes like tortelli alla piacentina and cotoletta to guests, embodying a blend of timeless sophistication and homely warmth.
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The Future of the Armani Empire
With no children of his own, the question of who would inherit Giorgio Armani’s billions and control of his empire has been a topic of much speculation. However, the designer had already outlined a clear succession plan before his passing. In an interview with the Financial Times, he revealed that responsibilities would be gradually transitioned “to those closest to me,” including long-time collaborator Leo Dell’Orco, members of his family, and his dedicated working team.
This approach ensures that the values and vision Armani embedded into every aspect of his brand, from fashion to furniture, will continue to guide the company forward. His passing marks the end of an era, but his influence on design, luxury, and global style will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.
