The legacy of Giorgio Armani: Red carpet moments that defined elegance
Giorgio Armani acknowledges the audience at the end of the 2018 spring/summer Haute Couture collection fashion show on January 23, 2018 in Paris.
Image: Patrick Kovarik / AFP
The fashion world is mourning the loss of Giorgio Armani, who passed away at the age of 91 on September 4.
Often called the architect of modern elegance, Armani wasn’t just a designer; he was a cultural force who redefined the way people dressed both on and off the red carpet.
From his early days in the 1970s, Armani was best known for clean lines, understated sophistication, and a kind of luxury that was never flashy but always powerful.
His signature unstructured jackets revolutionised menswear, while his sleek tailoring and fluid evening gowns helped usher in the minimalist aesthetic that dominated the 1980s and beyond.
Italian designer Giorgio Armani and and Roberta Armani stand on the runway at the end of the Emporio Armani collection show at Milan's Fashion Week Womenswear Spring / Summer 2025, on September 19, 2024 in Milan.
Image: Gabriel Bouys / AFP
Unlike many other luxury fashion designers, Armani remained fiercely independent, building a fashion empire that spanned clothing, fragrance, homeware, and even luxury hotels.
But perhaps nowhere was Armani’s influence more visible than in Hollywood.
For decades celebrities turned to him not just for clothes, but for confidence.
On the red carpet, Armani’s designs were never overdone, always elegant, and unmistakably modern.
Here are unforgettable Armani red carpet looks that capture the essence of his legacy and show why his influence will never fade.
Julia Roberts in an oversized Armani suit
Who says the red carpet is only for gowns? Julia Roberts shocked Hollywood by showing up in a loose Armani men’s suit and tie. The look was rebellious, fun, and instantly iconic, which proved that Armani knew how to blur the lines between masculine and feminine long before it was mainstream.
Julia Roberts in an Armani suit.
Image: Instagram / treatharriewithkindness
Cate Blanchett at Cannes in Armani Privé
Cate Blanchett and Armani were a match made in fashion heaven. Her shimmering Armani Privé gowns at Cannes, often sleek with sculptural details, cemented her as one of the best-dressed stars of the festival, year after year.
Cate Blanchett at the Cannes in 2018.
Image: Jacky Godard / AFP
Lady Gaga’s futuristic Armani Privé at the Grammys
Known for her daring fashion, Lady Gaga turned to Armani Privé for her bold, galactic-inspired Grammy gowns. With sharp angles, metallics, and crystal details, the looks showed how Armani could bend tradition without losing elegance.
Musician Lady Gaga arrives at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards.
Image: Christopher Polk/Getty Images/AFP
Anne Hathaway’s Oscars shine
Anne Hathaway has worn Armani Privé for several red-carpet appearances, but her Oscar looks stand out for their modern sparkle. Whether in sequins or minimalist silhouettes, Hathaway embodied Armani’s signature mix of glamour and restraint.
Actress Anne Hathaway arrives at the 81st Annual Academy Awards in 2009.
Image: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images/AFP
These moments remind us why Giorgio Armani wasn’t just a designer but an architect of red-carpet elegance.
His passing leaves a huge gap in fashion, but the images of stars draped in Armani will keep his influence alive for generations.
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