Giorgio Armani was known around the world as the “King of Fashion,” but the late designer kept much of his personal life private. One relationship he did speak about was his romantic and professional partnership with Sergio Galeotti, who co-founded the Armani brand with him in 1975. Their bond not only shaped Armani’s private life but also laid the foundation for one of the most successful fashion houses in the world.
Below, learn more about Armani’s relationship history, his late partner, and the family legacy he left behind.
Was Giorgio Armani Ever Married?
No, Armani was never married. Throughout his life, the designer kept his relationships private, though he acknowledged having romances with both men and women. In a 2000 interview with Vanity Fair, Armani shared: “I have had women in my life, and sometimes men.
He added, “You know very well that to do this work one must have a free mind. Often one doesn’t have the time to worry about others.”
His most significant and long-term partnership was with Galeotti.
Who Was Sergio Galeotti?
Galeotti was an Italian architect and Giorgio Armani’s partner in both life and business. Born in 1945, Galeotti first met Armani in 1966 at the seaside resort of Forte dei Marmi. At the time, Armani was 32 and beginning to establish himself as a designer for textile magnate Nino Cerruti. Galeotti, 11 years his junior, quickly became both his confidant and collaborator.
It was Galeotti who encouraged Armani to launch his own fashion label, and together they founded the Armani brand in 1975. While Armani served as the creative force behind the designs, Galeotti oversaw much of the business side, helping turn their shared vision into a global fashion empire.
What Happened to Sergio Galeotti?
Tragically, Galeotti died in 1985 at the age of 40 due to complications from AIDS.
Years later, Armani reflected on the depth of his loss. In a 1996 interview with New York Magazine, he revealed that he still wore Galeotti’s ring every day, sharing, “He never saw me cry. He himself never said anything. In a whole year, he said once, ‘Giorgio, look how thin I have become’ — that’s all.”
More recently, Armani spoke again about his late partner, saying, “When Sergio died, a part of me died. I have to say I congratulate myself a little, because I withstood such intense pain”
How Did Giorgio Armani Die?
Armani passed away peacefully at his home in Milan on September 4, 2025, at the age of 91. The Armani Group confirmed his death in a statement but did not disclose the cause.
Did Giorgio Armani Have Children?
No, Armani did not have children. Instead, he considered the Armani brand his “family,” dedicating his life to mentoring staff, shaping his company’s vision, and nurturing its legacy. Reflecting this sentiment, the Armani Group later shared, “In this company, we have always felt like part of a family.”
However, in a 2015 interview with GQ, the designer grew emotional when asked if he had ever wanted to be a father. “A lot,” he admitted. “I wish I had many children.”
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