The world has lost one of its most influential designers of the 20th century with the passing of Giorgio Armani. In the 1980s, the Italian designer almost single-handedly transformed menswear with his unstructured suits, offering men a new sense of freedom and comfort. While his innovative ideas would have found an audience regardless, they truly entered the mainstream with the release of Paul Schrader’s 1980 film American Gigolo, starring Richard Gere and Lauren Hutton. The movie was a major success and has since become one of the most influential films of its time.

A decade later, as red carpet events grew more important in celebrity promotion, Armani became the undisputed king of awards show fashion. Wearing one of his designs was often seen as a good luck charm. Cate Blanchett understood this well—she frequently chose his glamorous gowns and won the Best Actress Oscar for Blue Jasmine in 2014 while wearing a jewel-embellished Armani dress. She later became a Global Ambassador for the brand, with her elegance and intelligence coming to represent the Armani name.

In an interview with The Guardian, Armani once said, “I only find red carpet work meaningful if I can build a relationship with the people I dress. The fact that Jodie, Michelle, Julia, Sharon, Sean, Robert, Claudia, Sophia, Cate, and Isabelle have remained loyal clients all these years is because our connection grew naturally from shared taste and character. I could never dress someone—famous or not—who didn’t resonate with what I do.” Here, three icons and close friends reflect on their relationship with the creative giant.

Richard Gere (with then-wife Carey Lowell at the opening of the Giorgio Armani exhibition at the Guggenheim in 2001):
“Giorgio was truly an original—an artist and a visionary. He had the eye and skill of a craftsman and the soul of a painter. His work always carried his essence, and he remained uncompromising until the end. Some found his precision intimidating, but to me, he was a supremely talented pussycat.”

Lauren Hutton (with Giorgio Armani at the Green Carpet Fashion Awards in Milan, 2017):
“There was Giorgio—not just a star, but a constellation. He was everything. He made Milan fashion what it is. We met after I filmed American Gigolo, and he asked me to walk in his show carrying my own rattan purse from Sumatra. I liked him immediately. We didn’t speak each other’s language, but we connected soul to soul and stayed close ever since. Slowly, his English improved and so did my Italian. We spent time together at his home in Taormina. Giorgio kept me growing—he had a wonderful circle of friends and encouraged all of us. When I traveled, I could share everything with him. He brought humanity into an industry that often forgets real life.”

Cate Blanchett (with Giorgio Armani at his show in Milan last year):
“The loss of Mr. Armani leaves a void that can’t be filled—not only in fashion, art, film, theater, architecture, and design, but in the hearts of the millions he touched. He was a man of contrasts: a colossus, a king, a titan, yet also a thoughtful, hands-on craftsman—genuine, direct, and sincere. The man I knew was deep-hearted, loyal, wise, and brave. Being part of his world was one of the greatest privileges of my life.”How will we go on without him? My heart goes out to his fashion family, and especially to his beloved Roberta, Silvana, Andrea, and Rosanna Armani.

Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions Cate Blanchett Richard Gere and Lauren Hutton on Giorgio Armani

BeginnerLevel Questions
Q1 Who are Cate Blanchett Richard Gere and Lauren Hutton
A1 They are famous actors and models who have worked closely with fashion designer Giorgio Armani over the years

Q2 What is Giorgio Armani known for
A2 Giorgio Armani is a worldrenowned Italian fashion designer famous for his elegant timeless designs in clothing accessories and fragrances

Q3 Why are these celebrities reflecting on memories of Giorgio Armani
A3 They have longstanding professional relationships with Armani often wearing his designs at events and in films and they share personal insights about his influence on fashion and their careers

Q4 How did Giorgio Armani impact their careers
A4 Wearing Armanis designs helped elevate their public image making them style icons and aligning them with sophistication and luxury

IntermediateLevel Questions
Q5 What specific memories do Cate Blanchett Richard Gere and Lauren Hutton share about Giorgio Armani
A5 They often recall moments like wearing Armani for red carpet events collaborating on campaigns and appreciating his attention to detail and support for their artistic expression

Q6 Did any of them work directly with Giorgio Armani on projects
A6 Yes all three have collaborated with Armanifor example Richard Gere famously wore Armani in American Gigolo which boosted both their profiles

Q7 How has Giorgio Armanis style influenced fashion through these celebrities
A7 Their endorsements and frequent appearances in Armani outfits have popularized his clean tailored aesthetic and made it synonymous with Hollywood glamour

Q8 Are there any iconic Armani outfits worn by these celebrities that stand out
A8 Yes such as Lauren Hutton in Armanis early ad campaigns Richard Geres suits in American Gigolo and Cate Blanchetts elegant gowns at awards shows

AdvancedLevel Questions
Q9 What do their reflections reveal about Giorgio Armanis design philosophy
A9 They highlight Armanis focus on simplicity quality fabrics and designs that empower the wearer with confidence and timeless elegance