Italian fashion icon Giorgio Armani dead at 91

Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani has died, the company said on Thursday. He was 91.

"With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: GiorgioArmani," the fashion house said in a statement.

The company said Il Signor Armani, as his employees and collaborators would call him, "worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company."

"Over the years, Giorgio Armani has crafted a vision that expanded from fashion to every aspect of life, anticipating the times with extraordinary clarity and pragmatism. He has been driven by relentless curiosity and a deep attention to the present and to people. Along this journey, he established an open dialogue with the public, becoming a beloved and respected figure for his ability to connect with everyone. Always mindful of the needs of the community, he has been active on many fronts, especially in support of his beloved Milan," the company said.

It added that the 50-year-old brand, Giorgio Armani, was "built with emotion and patience."

"Giorgio Armani always made independence – of thought and action – his hallmark. The company is, now and always, a reflection of this spirit. His family and employees will carry the Group forward in respect and continuity of these values," it promised.

Armani's funeral chamber will be set up from Saturday, Sept. 6 to Sunday, Sept. 7, and will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., in Milan, at Via Bergognone 59, inside the Armani/Teatro.

The funeral will be held privately, as wished by the designer.

In the comments section, his fellow fashion designer Donatella Versace left a heartbroken emoji.

Italian fashion editor Anna dello Russo also wrote: "Bon voyage Maestro Giorgio. I'll always carry you in my heart."

Armani, who was 91, was synonymous with modern Italian style and elegance. He combined the flair of the designer with the acumen of a businessman, running a company that turned over some 2.3 billion euros ($2.7 billion) a year.

He had been unwell for some time and was forced to drop out of his group's shows at Milan's Men's Fashion Week in June, the first time in his career that he had missed one of his catwalk events.

Known as "Re Giorgio"—King Giorgio—the designer was known for overseeing every detail of his collection and every aspect of his business, from advertising to fixing models' hair as they head out onto the runway.