he fashion world is saying farewell to Giorgio Armani, who passed away at the age of 91 on September 4th. More than just a designer, Armani was a storyteller who bridged the worlds of Milan’s ateliers and Hollywood’s red carpets. His genius wasn’t just in the cut of a jacket or the drape of a gown, but in the way he imagined glamour itself — quiet, confident, and effortless, rather than loud.

One of the first actor to bring Armani to Hollywood spotlight was Diane Keaton. At the 1978 Academy Awards, she skipped the expected gowns of the era and walked in wearing a tailored, double-breasted Armani jacket — sharp, modern, and original. Keaton’s relaxed confidence and Armani’s tailoring made for an unforgettable collaboration, signalling a new chapter in red carpet fashion.

More than a decade later, Julia Roberts gave Armani another pop culture milestone when she arrived at the 1990 Golden Globes in an off-the-rack men’s Armani suit. With her iconic smile and natural confidence, she turned an unconventional look into something playful and remarkable. Looking back, Roberts admitted that she had no idea the suit would become a statement. “I just thought I looked fabulous, and I still have that suit,” said the actor. In that choice lay the heart of Armani’s vision — that strength and femininity could sit side by side, without cancelling the other out.

It’s no wonder Hollywood embraced him so fully. Armani became the “tailor of the stars,” dressing Richard Gere in American Gigolo, the ensemble cast in Ocean’s Eleven as well as actors Jodie Foster, Michelle Pfeiffer, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, and countless others.

His clothes had an ease to them that allowed actors to look timeless rather than trend-driven, an enduring quality that meant a photograph of an Armani tuxedo or gown would look just as striking years later as it did under the red carpet flashlights. He blurred the line between character and costume, on-screen identity and off-screen elegance.

Now, with his passing, Hollywood mourns the visionary designer while remembering his legacy. Armani showed the world that minimalism could be as powerful as glitter and sequins; women could own the language of menswear just as much as men. For half a century, he shaped the red carpet looks as well as film premieres, and how stars defined themselves in front of the world.

His death marks the end of an era, but his legacy lives on in every actor who felt comfortable and truly themselves while wearing an Armani suit or gown. He didn’t just dress Hollywood — he gave it a new way to shine.

Here’s a look at some of the best red carpet looks by the great designer.

Diane Keaton (1978)

In 1978, Diane Keaton turned heads at the Oscars, rewriting red carpet rules in a beige Armani “soft suit.” The double-breasted jacket, pleated skirt, and pale pink peony perfectly blurred the lines between masculine and feminine. That night, she won Best Actress for Annie Hall, a moment that marked Giorgio Armani’s arrival in Hollywood.

Julia Roberts (1990)

Twelve years later, Julia Roberts made a statement when she accepted the Best Supporting Actress award for Steel Magnolias at the 1990 Golden Globes. Her oversized men’s Armani suit challenged expectations. The slouchy grey blazer and purple tie were bold choices, demonstrating that Armani could give women the confidence to bend the rules while looking fabulous.

George Clooney (2006)

George Clooney has long been a loyal Armani enthusiast. At the 2006 Academy Awards, where he was nominated for Syriana, he looked every bit the classic Hollywood leading man. His black tuxedo featured satin lapels and a crisp shirt. The meticulous tailoring reflected both his personal style and Armani’s enduring impact on men’s red carpet fashion.

Cate Blanchett (2014)

Cate Blanchett’s nude Armani Privé gown at the 86th Academy Awards in 2014 remains one of his most unforgettable Oscar creation. The cap-sleeve dress was embroidered with dégradé sequins and Swarovski crystals. Paired with Chopard jewellery, the gown was valued at approximately $100,000, with jewels adding an estimated $18 million. Blanchett’s Best Actress win for Blue Jasmine made the moment even more memorable. The ensemble captured her ethereal presence and Armani’s mastery of couture.

Tom Cruise (2015)

At the Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation premiere, Tom Cruise embodied effortless menswear cool in a deep navy Armani suit. With a crisp shirt, sharp tailoring, and a confident stride, he demonstrated how Armani elevates a star’s personal style.

Leonardo DiCaprio (2016)

At the 2016 Academy Awards, Leonardo DiCaprio took home the Best Actor Oscar for his performance in the film, The Revenant. He looked every bit the star in a sleek black Armani tuxedo. The understated elegance allowed both the moment and the man to shine, proving that sometimes simplicity makes the ultimate power statement.

Viola Davis (2017)

Viola Davis dazzled at the 2017 Oscars in a vermillion Armani Privé gown. Draped sleeves, a high neckline, and a sweeping train made it dramatic yet elegant. The look reflected classic Armani while highlighting her presence without overpowering it.

Samuel L. Jackson (2023)

Samuel L. Jackson stole the spotlight at the 2023 Oscars in a shimmering metallic Armani jacket paired with classic black trousers. The look was both refined and dramatic, highlighting Armani’s gift for balancing drama with sophistication.

Lupita Nyong’o (2024)

More than a decade after her Oscar-winning debut in 12 Years a Slave, Lupita Nyong’o returned to the Oscars in 2024. She wore a powder-blue Armani Privé gown adorned with crystals and feathers. The look felt both modern and meaningful, and showcased Armani’s flair for storytelling through fashion.