Giorgio Armani Hinted at Who Will Inherit His Multi-Billionaire Empire a Week Before His Death: ‘My Plans for Succession…’
Giorgio Armani is arguably one of the biggest names in fashion, and his empire far exceeded the confines of the industry.
The fashion mogul died on September 4, 2025. He was 91. The Armani Group said in a statement. “Il Signor Armani, as he was always respectfully and admiringly called by employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and the many ongoing and future projects.”
“Over the years, Giorgio Armani has crafted a vision that expanded from fashion to every aspect of life, anticipating the times with extraordinary clarity and pragmatism,” the statement continued. “He has been driven by relentless curiosity and a deep attention to the present and to people. Along this journey, he established an open dialogue with the public, becoming a beloved and respected figure for his ability to connect with everyone. Always mindful of the needs of the community, he has been active on many fronts, especially in support of his beloved Milan.”
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What was Giorgio Armani’s net worth?
Giorgio Armani’s net worth at the time of his death was $12.1 billion, according to Forbes. Along with his fierce fashion business, Armani’s ventures expanded into interior design, real estate, restaurants, and hotels.
Armani started his menswear line in 1975 after being a freelance designer and collaborating frequently with Sergio Galeotti. He became known in the public sphere after dressing Richard Gere in American Gigolo in 1980. Throughout his tenure at the Armani group, the designer held a majority stake at his company and resisted selling it to multinational companies like LVMH. The Italian designer still worked up until his death, but speculation about his health heightened during Milan Fashion Week in 2024 when he was absent.
“I don’t know if I’d use the word workaholic, but hard work is certainly essential to success,” he told the Financial Times about his work ethic. “My only regret in life was spending too many hours working and not enough time with friends and family.”
Armani’s successor has tough shoes to fill, but he already had plans to pass the baton. “My plans for succession consist of a gradual transition of the responsibilities that I have always handled to those closest to me…such as Leo Dell’Orco, the members of my family and the entire working team,” he told the outlet.
