Renowned fashion luminary Giorgio Armani, commonly associated with extravagance, passes away at the age of 91.

Giorgio Armani, a trailblazing figure in the world of luxury fashion, passed away on Thursday at the age of 91 in Milan. Born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, Italy, Armani founded his eponymous fashion house in 1975, and his designs have since generated an annual revenue of $2.4 billion.

Armani's clothing was renowned for its sculptural quality, offering more casual silhouettes and softer colours. His designs were not just about fashion; they were about highlighting the body as an object of art. This subtle revolution in how we dress was a testament to Armani's greatest contribution to fashion, as noted by design historian John Potvin in his 2013 book, Giorgio Armani: Empire of the Senses.

As a child, Armani's mother made all of his clothes, nurturing his passion for fashion from an early age. This early influence can be seen in his designs, which were meticulously crafted to enhance the wearer's silhouette. One of his most iconic designs was the single-breasted, two-button brown jacket featured in the movie American Gigolo (1980), a streamlined silhouette that was uncommon in men's fashion at the time.

The movie helped make Giorgio Armani a household name in the United States, and his clothing became synonymous with '90s fashion. His look was considered subversive, sexy, and extremely '90s by Potvin, who also credited Armani for making formal wear more livable. This was evident when Julie Roberts wore an oversized gray suit with a purple tie designed by Armani when she accepted her Best Supporting Actress award for Steel Magnolias at the 1990 Golden Globes.

Throughout his career, Armani maintained ownership of his privately-held company and built his empire and collections independently. He had no known significant collaborations with other designers that directly influenced his career or collections. Armani is regarded as a unique, self-determined designer.

Affordable versions of Armani's clothes have been sold through Armani Exchange since the 1990s, making his designs accessible to a wider audience. The influence of Giorgio Armani on the world of fashion feels eternal, and his legacy will continue to shape the industry for years to come.