Royal designer behind Princess Diana, Kate and Meghan’s looks dies | Royal | News

The fashion world is in mourning following the death of Giorgio Armani, who has passed away at the age of 91. The Italian style pioneer was the creative force behind some of Princess Diana’s most memorable looks and left a lasting influence on royal fashion as we know it today.

Armani died peacefully at his home on Thursday, surrounded by family. His fashion house confirmed the news in a statement shared “with infinite sorrow.” His passing comes just weeks before a milestone 50th anniversary celebration of the Armani brand, set to take place during Milan Fashion Week.

Diana frequently turned to Armani in the 1980s and 1990s, particularly as she embraced a more modern and tailored aesthetic that helped redefine royal style for a new era, which both of her daughters-in-law, Princess Kate and Meghan Markle, have taken note of.

Back in 1985, Diana wore a striking white and navy Armani suit during her official visit to Italy.

The sharp tailoring and sleek silhouette marked a departure from the frilly styles she had favoured earlier in her royal life, and it was widely praised at the time for its chic, continental flair.

She continued to wear Armani suits and dresses, especially for international tours, solidifying her role in helping bring the Italian designer to the forefront of British royal fashion

Princess Kate has also turned to Giorgio Armani for some of her most polished royal appearances.

During the 2018 Royal Tour of Norway, she stepped out in a striking bright red double-breasted Armani coat, complete with wide lapels and a sharply tailored finish.

The bold yet timeless design was hailed as one of the highlights of her winter tour wardrobe and perfectly showcased Armani’s ability to balance elegance with statement dressing.

Over the years, Kate has also been spotted in Armani suits and tailored outerwear, cementing the Italian fashion house as a go-to label for her more refined international looks, like Diana.

Meanwhile, Meghan Markle chose Armani for one of the most significant appearances of her public life – her tell all interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021.

She wore a striking black Giorgio Armani silk dress featuring a white lotus flower motif, a design that sold out shortly after the broadcast was viewed by millions worldwide.

The lotus flower was widely interpreted as symbolic, representing resilience and rebirth, themes closely tied to the candid revelations Meghan shared during the interview. Her choice of Armani for such a pivotal moment reflected her preference for fashion that balances elegance with meaning.

It also cemented Armani’s place in modern royal history, proving the brand’s enduring relevance across generations of the monarchy.

A company spokesperson said: “Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion, and dedication.”

The designer had been in declining health for some time and was notably absent from Milan Men’s Fashion Week in June.

This was the first occasion in his decades-long career that he had missed one of his own runway shows.