Giorgio Armani dead: Morgan Freeman and Victoria Beckham lead tributes to fashion icon

Tributes have been pouring in from the likes of Morgan Freeman, Victoria Beckham and Ralph Lauren for the late Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani, whohas sadly died at the age of 91. The fashion house announced on Thursday that Armani died "surrounded by his loved ones".

Stars from across industries – including tennis ace Rafael Nadal, supermodel Cindy Crawford, and Hollywood actor Russell Crowe – have paid their respects to Armani, who became one of the most influential and globally renowned designers of the late 20th century.

It came after a statement from the fashion house said: "With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani.

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"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."

Hollywood star Freeman said: "On screen and off, in quiet moments and on the grandest stages, I have had the honour of wearing Armani. Today, we remember a man whose genius touched many lives and whose legacy of grace and timeless style will endure."

Fashion mogul Lauren posted on Instagram: "I have always had the deepest respect and admiration for Giorgio Armani, not only as a designer who never strayed from his vision but as a man who loved his family and friends and his homeland in such a special way.

"Though he was an icon of the world of fashion, he lived with great humility and a love of living that inspired the way he worked and the way he lived. He created a world reflecting all the things he loved with a foreverness that will be his legacy. ".

Meanwhile, former Spice Girl Beckham described the designer as a "visionary" in a story on Instagram. She said: "The fashion world has lost a true legend in Giorgio Armani – a visionary designer whose legacy will live on forever. I feel honoured to have called him a friend."

Beckham appeared in numerous Armani adverts including an underwear campaign alongside her husband, Sir David Beckham, in 2009. Italian fashion mogul Donatella Versace also offered her condolences on Instagram, posting a picture of Armani with the words: "The world lost a giant today. He made history and will be remembered forever."

American supermodel Crawford hailed the designer as a "master of his craft", whilst actress Michelle Pfeiffer revealed she was "heartbroken" in an Instagram tribute.

Several Hollywood stars have also honoured Armani including Reese Witherspoon, Ashton Kutcher, Diane Kruger and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Julia Roberts posted a heartfelt tribute to the designer on social media, captioning a photo of them together with: "A true friend. A Legend."

Roberts famously donned Armani menswear at the 1990 Golden Globes, making headlines. Russell Crowe, the star of Gladiator, reminisced about his first time wearing an Armani suit and expressed his deep admiration for the designer.

He stated: "Mr Armani has made a deep contribution, to fashion, to design, to popular culture. His energy, vision and finesse has made a mark acknowledged around the globe. I adored him. He was so kind. So many significant moments in my life, awards, wedding, Wimbledon... all in Armani.

"I have been looking forward to seeing him, plans were in place for Milan at the end of this month. Alas... What a life he had, from his beginnings to his glory. Grazie Giorgio vivrai sempre nel mio cuore."

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also paid her respects, hailing the designer as an "icon" and a symbol of Italy's finest. Armani's illustrious career spanned nearly six decades, with his brand becoming a household name after revolutionising power dressing in 1980 when he dressed Richard Gere in American Gigolo.

His family and employees released a statement saying: "In this company, we have always felt like part of a family. Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion, and dedication.

Armani continued to work up until his passing, directing a couture show in Paris, titled 'Noir Seduisant' in July 2025, remotely from Milan due to a brief illness.

Throughout his career, the designer was no stranger to controversy, making headlines in 2015 for comments about the attire of gay men, and in 2009, his company reached a financial settlement with Italian tax authorities over offshore subsidiaries, although no wrongdoing was admitted and no charges were brought.

Armani was honoured with the French Legion of Honour and Italian Order of Merit for Labour for his contributions to the fashion industry.

In line with his own wishes, Armani's funeral will be held privately. The funeral chamber will be open from 9am to 6pm on September 6 and 7, at Via Bergognone 59, inside the Armani/Teatro in Milan.

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