Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian fashion mogul and the founder of his multibillion-dollar fashion empire, was announced dead at the age of 91 on September 4. The designer and entrepreneur dedicated more than five decades of his life to dressing some of the world’s biggest stars, celebrities, and rock stars. “Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days,” his namesake brand wrote in an official statement announcing his death, “dedicating himself to the company, the collection, and the many ongoing and future projects.”
Tributes for the late mogul have begun pouring in, with many of them penned by high-profile celebrities, including Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Donatella Versace.
To pay tribute to the Giorgio Armani legacy, Rolling Stone Philippines revisited some of the most memorable moments in rockstar history where Armani’s designs played a starring role.
David Bowie
For David Bowie’s iconic Sound + Vision live tour in 1990, Armani designed three separate suits for the rock star to wear onstage. The jackets were simple, single-breasted, and made of black wool, along with matching suit trousers. Bowie also rocked a cream linen shirt, complete with a frilled high neck, puffed sleeves, and lace cuffs.
Lady Gaga
In 2010, Mother Monster arrived at the 52nd Grammy Awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles wearing a galactica-themed lavender Armani Privé gown, complete with hoops resembling planet rings and a starburst-shaped sculpture in tow. The pop star’s public wardrobe has often featured pieces from Armani’s collections, some of which were custom-made just for her during the Born This Way Ball tour.
Rihanna
For the 2017 Grammy Awards, Rihanna arrived dressed in a custom Armani Privé top and skirt combination. Her top was a vibrant orange, accessorized with studded crystals, while her dark plissé skirt of black silk billowed behind her as she walked the red carpet.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s relationship with the Armani brand can be traced back to 2005, when she made her Hollywood debut at the 77th Academy Awards wearing a sparkling blue Armani Privé dress from the Autumn/Winter 2005 collection.
In 2007, Beyoncé was named the face of Emporio Armani Diamonds, the designer’s signature fragrance. That same year, the singer turned heads at the Oscars in an off-the-shoulder, seafoam green Armani gown.
