Legendary Fashion Designer Giorgio Armani Dies at 91

Italian world-renowned designer Giorgio Armani has died. He was 91 years old. "With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani," the fashion house said in a statement, heralding the end of an entire epoch in the world of fashion and taste. Armani, who was 91, was considered a symbol of modern Italian style and elegance.

He combined the talent of a designer with the acumen of a businessman, heading a company with an annual turnover of about 2.3 billion euros ($2.7 billion). He had been ill for some time and was forced to miss his group's shows during Milan Men's Fashion Week in June, which was the first time in his career that he had missed one of his shows.

The designer, nicknamed "Re Giorgio" - King Giorgio - was known for controlling every detail of his collection and all aspects of his business, from advertising to correcting the models' hairstyles before they walked the runway.

The company announced that a viewing will be open in Milan on Saturday and Sunday, followed by a private funeral. The date is not yet known.