From Milan to Dubai: Giorgio Armani's sprawling Middle East legacy
The Italian designer's eponymous brand has luxury real estate in the Gulf, as well as North Africa.
Italian fashion designer and billionaire luxury brand owner Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91, according to a statement on his eponymous company’s Instagram page.
"With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani," his fashion house said in a statement. The company said he died surrounded by his loved ones at home on Thursday.
Armani, who had been unwell for some time and had to drop out of his group shows at Milan Men’s Fashion Week in June, led his company for five decades and was the sole owner. Although the legendary designer began his career in fashion, he later expanded into beauty, fragrance, sport and luxury hotels.
That expansion extended to the Middle East, where he invested in hotels, residences and perfumes that drew on regional influences. The Gulf in particular became a showcase for his brand’s blend of fashion and lifestyle ventures.
