Richard Gere, Leonardo DiCaprio, More Pay Tribute

Hollywood and the fashion world are paying tribute to Giorgio Armani.

On Thursday morning, The Armani Group announced that the legendary Italian fashion designer who co-founded his namesake company in 1975 has died. He was 91. The fashion icon died at his home in Milan and passed away “peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.”

Following the tragic news, outpourings of tributes came in from Hollywood A-listers and fashion industry professionals who had worked with the designer and even developed friendships through their collaborations.

Armani’s brand famously ascended into international fame when Richard Gere wore his designs in the 1980 film, American Gigolo.

“Giorgio was certainly an original. An artist. A visionary of sorts. With the eyes and hand of a craftsman, and the soul of a painter. His work had his essence all over it. And he cared right up to the end. Uncompromising,” Gere said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “I know there were those who he terrified because of his exacting nature. To me he was a supremely talented pussycat.”

Leonardo DiCaprio took to his Instagram Story to share a touching tribute. “Giorgio Armani was a visionary whose influence reached far beyond design,” he wrote. “I first met him many years ago in Milan and I remember being blown away by his creativity and genius. He was a legendary force who inspired generations, and his legacy will continue to shape and uplift the world for years to come.”

Morgan Freeman shared a statement with THR that reads: “On screen and off, in quiet moments and on the grandest stages, I have had the honor of wearing Armani. Today, we remember a man whose genius touched many lives and whose legacy of grace and timeless style will endure.”

Victoria Beckham posted a photo of Armani to her Instagram Story with the caption: “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.”

Reese Witherspoon shared a picture of herself and the designer on her Instagram Story. “A legendary talent and a wonderful man,” she wrote.

Ashton Kutcher wrote on X: “Visionary kind human Giorgio Armani, RIP.”

Russell Crowe shared a couple of statements on X, reflecting on how his admiration for Armani first began in the ’90s. He added: “Mr Armani has made a deep contribution, to fashion, to design, to popular culture. His energy, vision and finesse has made a mark acknowledged around the globe. I adored him. He was so kind…. I have been looking forward to seeing him, plans were in place for Milan at the end of this month. Alas… What a life he had, from his beginnings to his glory.”

See more tributes below.