Giorgio Armani has died at 91, the Armani Group confirmed on Thursday. The designer passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.

“In this company, we have always felt like part of a family. Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion and dedication,” Armani’s employees and family said in a statement. “But it is precisely in his spirit that we, the employees and the family members who have always worked alongside Mr. Armani, commit to protecting what he built and to carrying his company forward in his memory, with respect, responsibility and love.”

The Giorgio Armani label recently marked a major milestone by celebrating its 50th anniversary. Armani first launched his namesake brand in 1975, and since then, grew the label into a category-spanning business that has forever changed the fashion industry.

“The legacy I hope to leave is one of commitment, respect and attention to people and reality,” the late designer told Elle‘s Véronique Hyland in a recent interview. “That’s where it all begins.”

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Armani built a global empire with an emphasis on luxury fashion. From the moment he started his eponymous label to his expansion into the world of cosmetics, accessories and even home decor, he remained true to this mission, creating sleek and timeless designs that helped define luxury for generations to come. On top of design work, Armani also created his own catwalk space, the Teatro Armani, in 2001, which hosted countless runway shows within the Armani universe.

The designer hailed from Piacenza in northern Italy, and got his start in the fashion industry while working on the design team for ready-to-wear legend Nino Cerruti. From there, with encouragement from his friend — and eventual business partner — Sergio Galeotti, he founded Giorgio Armani S.p.A. While he found success in Europe in the late ’70s, it wasn’t until 1980 when Armani made waves in America. His designs were worn by actor Richard Gere in the film “American Gigolo” and the wardrobe of the ’80s hit show “Miami Vice” also heavily featured Armani pieces. 

Perhaps his longest lasting legacy was his impact on Hollywood. Armani opened his Rodeo Drive retailer in 1988, and by the ’90s had a legion of loyal actors wearing his designs. From Jodie Foster and Julia Roberts to Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, Armani had a lengthy roster of admirers on the red-carpet. Vogue even called the designer “the original red-carpet dresser, styling celebrities for their big night even before the word ‘stylist’ came into popular usage.”

By the turn of the century, Armani had forged a powerful empire, venturing into the beauty, hotel and even restaurant industries.

A “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, per the company release. In accordance with the designer’s explicit wishes, the funeral will be held privately.

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