It’s a sad day for fashion. The death of Giorgio Armani at age 91 leaves a huge void among lovers of timeless and sophisticated elegance. Without a doubt, his creativity and craftsmanship have found a home in the wardrobes of women known for their exquisite taste and authenticity.
Among his admirers were many royal women, such as Queen Letizia of Spain and Princess Charlene of Monaco, who trusted the designer for special moments, proving that choosing the king of Italian fashion was always a safe bet. Here we revisit some of those unforgettable looks, now filled with nostalgia after his passing.
© PATRICK KOVARIKCharlene of Monaco's wedding dress:
After her civil ceremony the day before, Charlene moved the world during her religious wedding to Prince Albert on July 2, 2011, at the Grimaldi Palace. At 5:00 PM, the South African bride revealed the stunning bridal creation designed for her by none other than Giorgio Armani.
© VALERY HACHEThe new Princess of Monaco chose Giorgio Armani to become an unforgettable bride, with a cross-over Bardot neckline, a fitted bodice, and a straight floor-length skirt, the majestic gown featured a dramatic train while remaining delicate and rich in detail.
© Andreas RentzMade of off-white duchess silk with a subtle sheen, it was adorned with floral embroidery created with nearly 40,000 Swarovski crystals. The ensemble included a cascading bouquet, featuring orchids and lily of the valley.
© PATRICK KOVARIKQueen Letizia's iconic white suit:
After the engagement of then-Prince Felipe to Letizia Ortiz was announced on November 1, 2003, the couple appeared before the media five days later for their official engagement ceremony at El Pardo Royal Palace, joined by their families.
© Carlos AlvarezFor the occasion, Letizia, now Queen of Spain and formerly Princess of Asturias, dazzled in a stunning white suit designed by Giorgio Armani. She made history in that white suit, which became one of the most iconic outfits in modern European royalty.
© Alain BENAINOUSIncluding a structured-shoulder jacket with a high notched collar, three-button closure, and front pockets, it inspired women worldwide in professional settings and even for engagements and civil weddings.
© Mark CuthbertThe jacket was paired with straight trousers, making it the perfect choice to receive her engagement ring from Prince Felipe, featuring a white gold band with baguette-cut diamonds by Suárez. Letizia re-wore the suit on Valentine’s Day in 2019 during a state visit to Morocco.
© Carlos AlvarezThroughout her years as Queen Letizia has continued to show loyalty to the great master of Italian fashion, wearing elegant pieces from both his main line and Emporio Armani. One notable piece was a long black dress she wore on November 16, 2021, at a state banquet for Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Royal Palace.
© Europa Press NewsFrom Emporio Armani, she also wore a fabulous white polka-dot dress on February 14, 2020, during her visit to El Rocío in Huelva. Another standout was a draped midi dress she debuted at the Princess of Asturias Awards concert on October 18, 2018, in Oviedo, also signed by Armani.
Rania of Jordan:
Royal weddings have long been a stage for Giorgio Armani’s fashion to shine through his most elegant and fascinating guest looks. Queen Rania of Jordan stunned in a purple silk cady dress by Armani Privé during the wedding of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Daniel Westling at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Stockholm on June 19, 2010.
© Stephane Cardinale - CorbisVictoria of Sweden’s wedding:
Queen Rania wasn’t the only one to trust Giorgio Armani’s mastery at that royal wedding. On the same day in Stockholm, Princess Charlene of Monaco also wore a stunning creation by the Italian designer, consisting of a nude strapless gown with crossed pleats at the waist, an A-line skirt with a train, and a contrasting shawl.
© Dominique CharriauA new generation:
Giorgio Armani’s elegance has also captivated the new generation of royals. Princess Elisabeth of Belgium debuted one of his haute couture gowns at Princess Ingrid of Norway’s 18th birthday celebration in June 2022, an especially meaningful event as it marked the first time the Belgian princess wore a tiara.
© LISE ASERUD
