The celebrated fashion designer leaves an indelible mark on global style and elegance.

Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer who turned the concept of understated elegance into a multibillion-dollar fashion empire, has died at the age of 91.

Armani passed away in the northern Italian city of Milan, his company said in a statement on Thursday.

“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” it said.

The fashion icon “worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections and the many ongoing future projects”, the statement added.