Giorgio Armani revealed his ‘only regret’ in the last ever interview with the fashion designer one week before his death aged 91.
The Italian fashion icon passed away peacefully at his home in Milan on Thursday surrounded by family.
Armani was CEO and creative director right up until his death, and told the Financial Times in his final interview that his ‘greatest weakness is that I am in control of everything’.
The self-confessed workaholic, who was involved in every aspect of his shows, also revealed his ‘only regret’ in life was prioritising work over loved ones.
‘My only regret in life was spending too many hours working and not enough time with friends and family,’ he said.
Armani also revealed who he would like to take over his global brand after his death, naming one man in particular.
‘My plans for succession consist of a gradual transition of the responsibilities that I have always handled to those closest to me,’ he said, ‘such as Leo Dell’Orco, the members of my family and the entire working team.’ Dell’Orco is the head of men’s design for the Armani group.
‘I would like the succession to be organic and not a moment of rupture,’ Armani added.
Fashion icon Giorgio Armani died at the age of 91, the Armani Group announced on Thursday
Armani is pictured during the One Night Only series in Dubai on October 26, 2021
In a statement released today, the fashion house announced his death ‘with infinite sorrow’.
Armani died just weeks ahead of a planned 50th anniversary celebration set to take place at Milan fashion week.
A spokesperson for the company added: ‘Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion, and dedication.’
Armani, who dressed celebrities including Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Cate Blanchett and Lady Gaga, was famous for his relaxed tailoring.
He was one of the most influential and globally famous designers of the late 20th century.
His death sent the fashion world into mourning with Donatella Versace saying the ‘world had lost a giant today’.
Writing on Instagram, the Italian fashion leader said: ‘He made history and will be remembered forever.’
German actress Dianne Kruger had worn many Armani creations through the years and today paid a touching tribute.
‘One of the nicest people and mentors I was lucky enough to meet and work with,’ she said.
Armani and US actress Julia Roberts pose on the red carpet at The Fashion Awards 2019 in London on December 2, 2019
Armani pictured with Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, and George Clooney
Armani is pictured in Italy in 1984 posing in a sports outfit with weights next to him
Gladiator actor Russell Crowe said in a heartfelt tribute that he adored Armani and described him as being ‘so kind’.
The Oscar winner said he had planned to meet up with the fashion icon in Milan later this month.
‘So many significant moments in my life, awards, wedding, Wimbledon… all in Armani,’ he wrote on X.
‘What a life he had, from his beginnings to his glory.’
He ended his post with ‘Grazie Giorgio vivrai sempre nel mio cuore [you will always live in my heart]’.
Julia Roberts, who made headlines when she wore Armani menswear to the Golden Globes in 1990, shared a photo of herself with the designer on Instagram.
She wrote: ‘A true friend. A Legend.’ She added the heartbreak emoji.
Italian Serie A football giants Juventus also posted a tribute on its X account, writing: ‘Juventus joins in the mourning for the passing of Giorgio Armani, a timeless icon of Italian elegance and style.’
F1 driver Charles Leclerc posted to his Instagram Stories, ‘A great honor to have had the chance to meet and work with such an amazing person. You will be missed Giorgio.’
Armani’s funeral will be private, the group said, but well-wishers can pay respects beforehand at a funeral chamber open on Saturday and Sunday in Milan.
‘Il Signor Armani, as he was always respectfully and admiringly called by employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones,’ the company said.
