Victoria Beckham has issued a heartfelt tribute to businessman and fashion icon Giorgio Armani following his death at the age of 91.
A statement from his company confirmed the sad news on Thursday afternoon after the Italian designer died at his home.
The billionaire fashion icon built an empire valued at approximately £2.3 billion annually, revolutionising modern Italian style and elegance. His death marks the end of an era for one of fashion's most recognisable names.
Tributes from far and wide have flooded in for Mr Armani, and Ms Beckham followed suit in the minutes after the news.
Victoria Beckham (right) has paid tribute to Giorgio Armani (second from left) following his death
|GETTY
Taking to Instagram, Ms Beckham reposted the Armani account's statement with the message: "The fashion world has lost a true legend in Giorgio Armani - a visionary designer whose legacy will live on forever.
"I feel honoured to have called him a friend," she signed off, followed by a black love heart emoji.
Ms Beckham and her husband, Sir David Beckham, enjoyed several collaborations with the Italian designer over the years, with the husband and wife duo the face of Armani Underwear in the early noughties.
Ms Beckham also showed her support for the brand when she attended the Armani Fifth Avenue store opening in New York in February 2009.
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Victoria Beckham has paid tribute to Giorgio Armani
|Mr Armani and Ms Beckham were also pictured together at the opening party for the new Giorgio Armani Avenue Montaigne boutique in January 2007 in Paris, France.
The company confirmed the sad news on Thursday, September 4. "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.
"In this company, we have always felt like part of a family.
"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."
Giorgio Armani's company announced the fashion legend has died at the age of 91 | GETTYThe designer had been synonymous with sophisticated fashion for nearly five decades.
Mr Armani transformed the fashion landscape by introducing unstructured jackets and sophisticated pantsuits that became essential wardrobe pieces for professional women during the 1980s.
His designs gave working women elegant yet practical clothing options for corporate environments.
The designer established his namesake brand in 1975 alongside partner Sergio Galeotti, expanding from menswear into women's fashion within a year.
His empire grew to encompass multiple lines, including Emporio Armani, Armani Exchange, along with accessories, cosmetics, home décor, and fragrances.
Mr Armani's breakthrough came in 1980 when he dressed Richard Gere for the film American Gigolo, launching both their Hollywood careers. The designer went on to provide costumes for over 200 films, including The Untouchables and The Wolf of Wall Street.
His devoted celebrity clientele included Jodie Foster, George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Sofia Loren. He dressed musicians like Eric Clapton and became a red carpet favourite during awards season.
The designer had been preparing to mark his fashion house's 50th anniversary during Milan Fashion Week this month. He had missed the June 2025 menswear previews whilst recovering from an undisclosed health issue.