Giorgio Armani: Legendary Italian Fashion Designer and Avid Sailor Dies at 91

Giorgio Armani, born in the northern Italian town of Piacenza in 1934, initially aspired to become a medic. After studying medicine at the University of Milan and serving at the Military Hospital in Verona, he ventured into the world of fashion by becoming a window dresser and sales assistant at Milan’s high-end department stores. This stepping stone led him to freelance for prime stylists and fashion houses, ultimately culminating in the establishment of his design office in Milan with partner Sergio Galeotti.

In 1975, Armani launched Giorgio Armani S.p.A., followed by the Giorgio Armani Corporation in 1979. Today, these companies stand amongst the global leaders in fashion, with assorted product lines including Giorgio Armani Underwear and Swimwear, Giorgio Armani Accessories, and Armani Beauty.

Armani’s ardor for yachting was visible in his life and work. His company sponsored the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta and he owned multiple private yachts. Included in his collection were a sub-24-metre sailing yacht and two Codecasas. The first, named Mariù, was a tribute to his mother. The successor, Main, delivered in 2008, was his crowning maritime achievement, with every detail down to the glossy dark green hull designed by Armani himself.

In recent years, Armani expanded into superyacht design. His collaboration with Admiral, a brand of The Italian Sea Group, birthed ‘Project Metamorphosis’, an exclusive two-yacht series expected to unveil at the upcoming Monaco Yacht Show. Characterised by unusual geometric forms and a satin gold colour scheme, the designs reflect Armani’s pioneering approach to design. True to his reputation, Armani worked until his last days, nurturing the company, curating collections, and charting future projects. His legacy transcends the realms of fashion to embody a way of life, consistently ahead of times with his sharp intuition and practicality.