On the 4th of September 2025, Giorgio Armani passed away. He was a legend in the fashion world. And best of all, a gay (bi) legend in his own lifetime! His fashion designs were beautifully classic, elegant, delightfully luxurious, with earthy colours. He didn't overdo the femininity in his women's wear. The look was more androgynous and I love that style. Armani will be greatly missed.
We've already lost the flamboyant, fabulous Alexander McQueen (gay) who died far too young; the punk rocker fashion icon, Vivienne Westwood; Gianni Versace (gay) who also died far too young, Pierre Cardin (gay) who died a few years ago and Yves Saint Laurent (gay). And many others, for instance, Alber Elbaz (Jewish and gay) and the outrageously, fabulously flamboyant Iris Apfel.
Yes it is relevant that Armani and these fabulous male fashion designers were gay for several reasons:
1) When a man dies we are told all about the wife and the kids, grandkids, even great grandkids he left behind and what a wonderful marriage they had. In other words, the statement is: this man was a heterosexual.
2) Homophobes love to depress LGBTQ+ people that life is awful and terrible if you're in the gay community. You'll be poor because you'll never earn any money.
These fashion designers are showing us that this isn't true. Armani was the wealthiest gay on the planet. And up there with the billionaires. It's the 'you need to see it to be it' as Billie Jean King often says.
This is why attacking the fashion industry is an underhand way of attacking gay men, in particular.
3) It shows how much gay men contribute to the economy. Indeed, gay people in general. They are often more creative and original because they refuse to be 'boxed in' by stereotypes or narrow thinking.
4) Gay people, especially gay men, have always been given a very hard time by society and the legal system for simply wanting what everyone else wants: love, physical intimacy and stable relationships.
Wanting sex is perfectly normal. Heterosexuals feel entitled to participate in sex. So, it's perfectly normal that gay people want gay sex together. To expect them to be celibate is abnormal.
And if you, as an individual or society, or country, or institution try to restrict sex to just the powerful (heterosexual) group then you're an oppressor and dictator.
Same-sex physical relationships and same-sex marriage are a right, therefore, everyone, without exception, has a right to them to lead a flourishing life.
If you go to this post here it includes beautiful photos of Armani which celebrates his life and his work. Celine Dion's farewell post to Armani, who designed some clothes for her, includes some amazing photos of her wearing his fashion. I especially love photo 2, the look is sooooo my style, a fabulous example of his androgynous womenswear and Celine looks amazing in this outfit. You can view the post and photos here.
Armani's design in photo 2 is a timeless, iconic piece and definitely 'hot' fashion.
Another example of Armani's fabulous womenswear: if you click here you'll see his Spring/Summer 2021 design that honoured the opera singer Maria Callas with this stunning red dress to represent her dynamic personality and dedicated it to Milan. What a fabulous touch!
The Arts will also miss him because he contributed so much financially. For instance, Classic FM Facebook page (see here) mentions how Armani supported the opera house La Scala and as late as 2021 contributed to a new building.
All the great fashion designers are slowly passing away.😥
