Italian fashion legend Giorgio Armani passed away on September 4, 2025, at the age of 91. Just weeks before his death, the Armani Group faced a major controversy. Italy’s antitrust regulator fined the company 3.5 million euros (about USD 4 million) for making false claims about sustainability.
The Scandal
According to Reuters, regulators said Armani Group and a subsidiary issued misleading statements about their ethical and social practices. While the company promoted itself as sustainable and responsible, investigations showed that its suppliers and subcontractors had poor working conditions and, in some cases, used illegal labor.
Most of Armani’s leather accessories and bags were reportedly outsourced to third-party producers, who then subcontracted the work. This raised serious concerns about the brand’s real commitment to sustainability.
The Armani Group denied the charges, calling the regulator’s decision “disappointing and bitter.” The company stated it had always operated fairly and transparently, citing its long history. It also confirmed plans to appeal the ruling in an Italian court.
Armani’s Life and Legacy
Despite the scandal, Giorgio Armani leaves behind one of the most powerful fashion empires in the world. Worth more than USD 10 billion, his brand expanded far beyond clothes. Armani ventured into perfumes, cosmetics, accessories, books, flowers, chocolates, and even home furnishings.
He also opened luxury restaurants, bars, and clubs across the globe, including more than 20 dining spaces since 1998. Armani Hotels opened in Dubai in 2009 and Milan in 2010. The designer also owned the EA7 Emporio Armani Milan basketball team.
Armani was recognized internationally for his contribution to fashion and lifestyle, ranking among the world’s top 200 billionaires, according to Forbes. His Fifth Avenue store in New York, launched in 2009, was one of his most iconic retail moves.
Who Inherits Armani Empire?
Giorgio Armani never married and had no children. However, he was close to his niece Roberta, his late brother Sergio’s daughter. He also considered longtime colleagues Leo Dell’Orco, head of menswear, and Silvana Armani, his niece who manages womenswear, as key successors.
Armani’s passing marks the end of an era, but his empire—and the shadow of the scandal—will shape his legacy.
