Giorgio Armani, distinguished Italian fashion designer, has shaped the world of fashion with his timeless designs and forged a profound connection with Dubai, a city he praises for its ability to “astonish the world.” At 90, Armani’s career, disciplined lifestyle, and contributions to Dubai—through the Armani Hotel, Armani Residences, and his UAE Golden Visa—highlight his role as a visionary whose elegance aligns with the city’s global ambitions.

A Storied Career: Redefining Elegance

Born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, Italy, Giorgio Armani’s path to fashion began humbly. After studying medicine and serving in the Italian army, he entered fashion in the 1960s, working as a window dresser and designer for Nino Cerruti. In 1975, at age 40, he co-founded Giorgio Armani S.p.A. with his partner Sergio Galeotti, launching a brand that redefined modern style with minimalist, tailored designs.

Armani’s signature aesthetic—clean lines, neutral palettes, and effortless sophistication—challenged the era’s flamboyance. His unstructured jackets and relaxed silhouettes earned him the title “King of Italian Fashion.” The Armani empire grew to encompass accessories, cosmetics, and home furnishings through Armani/Casa. By 2021, the Armani Group reported €6 billion in annual revenue, reflecting his global influence. His haute couture line, Armani Privé, launched in 2005, and the Armani/Silos exhibition space in Milan, opened in 2015, showcase his creative legacy.

Armani has championed sustainability, criticizing the fashion industry’s fast-paced model in a 2020 open letter. He advocated for slower, more thoughtful production, a philosophy evident in his Dubai ventures.

Life and Love: A Private Visionary

Armani’s personal life mirrors the understated elegance of his designs. Known for his discipline and privacy, he rarely discusses romantic matters. His most significant relationship was with Sergio Galeotti, his business partner, who died in 1985. Since then, Armani has focused on his work, driven by creativity. “Passion motivates me, combined with a drive to continuously improve,” he told Khaleej Times in 2025, reflecting on his 90th birthday and the 50th anniversary of his fashion house.

Approaching 91, Armani remains active, guided by a youthful mindset. His disciplined routine—rooted in creativity and structure—has sustained a career spanning over five decades.

Dubai: A Canvas for Armani’s Vision

Armani’s connection to Dubai blends his minimalist ethos with the city’s bold ambition. In 2010, he opened the world’s first Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa, occupying floors 1 to 8 and 38 to 39. Personally designed by Armani, the hotel features 160 rooms and suites, seven restaurants, and a 12,000-square-foot Armani/SPA, all defined by Eramosa stone, zebrawood, and neutral tones. Dining venues like Armani/Hashi (Japanese) and Armani/Amal (Indian) have earned Michelin Guide recognition, marrying global flavors with Armani’s refined aesthetic.

The Armani Residences, on floors 9 to 16 of Burj Khalifa, offer 144 one- and two-bedroom suites furnished with Armani/Casa pieces. With views of the Dubai Fountain and Downtown Dubai, the residences feature smart-home systems, Venetian plaster, and leather wall coverings. Residents access the hotel’s amenities, including concierge services, a private library, and a dedicated pool, embodying refined living.

In 2021, Armani received a UAE Golden Visa, a 10-year residency honoring his contributions to Dubai’s cultural and economic landscape. The award coincided with the Armani Hotel’s 10th anniversary and the brand’s 40th, marked by the “One Night Only” fashion show at the hotel during Expo 2020. The event showcased his spring/summer 2022 collection, Metissage, with pastel hues and nomadic details tailored to Dubai’s vibrant energy.

Dubai’s Fashion Influence

Armani’s presence elevates Dubai’s status as a global fashion hub. The Armani Hotel and Residences, alongside the upcoming Palm Jumeirah project, attract high-net-worth individuals and fashion enthusiasts. His Golden Visa underscores Dubai’s strategy to draw creative visionaries, reinforcing its role as a nexus of fashion, culture, and innovation.

Giorgio Armani’s legacy—built on discipline, creativity, and a deep bond with Dubai—continues to shape the city’s narrative as a beacon of global influence.

Vladyslava Garkusha

Vladyslava Garkusha is an Actress, TV Host, Model, and Editor-at-Large of Dubai Voice. The People, Dubai, World and Global Perspective.