The Legend of Italian fashion Giorgio Armani, whose timeless designs and the luxury empire remodeled the global style, has died at the age of 91.

His company announced Thursday that he died peacefully in Milan, “surrounded by their loved ones.”

“With infinite pain, the Armani group announces the death of its creator, founder and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” said the fashion house in a statement, and added that the designer had remained active in his work until his last days.

Armani, widely considered as the most influential contemporary designer in the world, launched his seal in 1975 and quickly rose to prominence, wearing Hollywood stars and redefining the fashion of the red carpet.

His brand then expanded to include Emporio Armani, luxury hotels and lifestyle companies, consolidating his “king” status of discreet elegance.

The group said that its funeral will be private, but a funeral chamber will be open to the public in Milan on Saturdays and Sundays so that supporters present their respects.

In recent months, Armani’s health had forced him to reduce public appearances. He canceled his male clothing show in Milan earlier this year and the presentation of Armani Privé in Paris was lost for the first time in 20 years, by the advice of doctors.

Even so, he supervised the collection remotely, insisting that he had “approved and signed in everything he will see.”

Taxes came from all over Italy and beyond. The Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, praised Armani as “an outstanding figure in Italian culture, which could transform elegance into a universal language.”

“His discreet and innovative style redefined the relationship between fashion, cinema and society, leaving an indelible brand in contemporary culture,” Giuli said, describing him as a “fashion teacher” and a “recognized ambassador of Italian identity worldwide.”

Armani’s death occurs only weeks before celebrations that mark the 50th anniversary of his homonym label, a milestone for a man whose vision helped shape the modern luxury for half a century.

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