Giorgio Armani dies at 91: How the legendary designer's handcrafted succession plan will shape the future of his empire

"Armani died peacefully, surrounded by his family, after ongoing health issues that earlier forced him to miss his brand's Milan runway shows for the first time in five decades. Tributes are pouring in from across the fashion world, and the Armani Group will host a memorial in Milan, the city he helped turn into a fashion capital. He soon began designing menswear for Nino Cerruti, gaining a reputation for innovation and quality."

"In 1975, with his partner Sergio Galeotti, Armani founded his eponymous label in Milan, initially launching a men's clothing line and rapidly expanding into womenswear, accessories, fragrances, and home interiors. Armani's understated style revolutionized modern fashion, introducing the world to the power suit and pioneering the concept of the lifestyle brand; he dressed celebrities from Richard Gere in American Gigolo to countless Hollywood stars on the red carpet."

"Unlike many family-run luxury houses, Armani had no children and thus spent years crafting a robust succession plan. According to company and media reports, control of the Armani Group will be divided among six carefully chosen heirs: his sister Rosanna, his two nieces, one nephew, his longtime collaborator Pantaleo (Leo) Dell'Orco, and a charitable foundation. All of these successors already serve on the company's board and will receive"

Giorgio Armani died at 91, peacefully surrounded by family after health issues forced him to miss Milan runway shows for the first time in five decades. He was born in Piacenza and initially planned to become a doctor before leaving medical school and entering fashion as a window dresser and buyer in Milan. He designed menswear for Nino Cerruti and in 1975 founded his eponymous label with partner Sergio Galeotti, expanding into womenswear, accessories, fragrances, and home interiors. Armani introduced the power suit and the lifestyle brand concept, dressed numerous celebrities, and built a highly successful privately held empire. With no children, he created a succession plan dividing control of the Armani Group among six heirs who already serve on the company's board.

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