Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian designer, passed away surrounded by loved ones at the age of 91 on 25/9. He was the founder and CEO of Armani, an empire encompassing everything from haute couture and ready-to-wear fashion to hotels, home furnishings, and flowers. In a statement, the company said Armani "worked until his last days, dedicating himself to his business, collections, and ongoing and future projects".
Even when unable to attend three fashion shows in June and July due to health reasons, he still managed everything remotely, from approving details and fittings to overseeing makeup. In his final interview with the Financial Times, Armani admitted his biggest weakness was "not being able to relinquish control".
"Everything you see is done under my direction and with my approval," Armani said.
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Designer Giorgio Armani. Photo: Daniele Venturelli/WireImage |
Designer Giorgio Armani. Photo: Daniele Venturelli/WireImage
While luck and genetics likely played a role in his longevity, longevity specialists appreciate Armani's daily habits and work ethic. He worked in the fashion industry for 50 years and considered work his lifeblood.
"Work is the best medicine," he told the Wall Street Journal in 2024, at age 90. That summer, Armani experienced some health issues, but he said, "As soon as I started working again, I felt better".
Heidi Tissenbaum, a cancer biology professor specializing in healthy aging, said keeping the mind active is key to longevity. A 2023 study found that healthy centenarians are intellectually engaged and focus on the positive aspects of life.
Mental exercise cannot stop the brain's aging process, but evidence suggests it can help build resilience against symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, such as forgetfulness.
Armani’s nutritious, healthy, and balanced diet was also considered a secret to his long life. In a 2012 interview with Harper's Bazaar, Armani said his favorite dish was pasta pomodoro (pasta with tomato sauce) and he occasionally indulged. A typical breakfast consisted of coffee, toast and jam, fresh fruit, and yogurt. "Exactly what I ate as a child," he said.
The designer usually had a light lunch, ate fruit for an afternoon snack, and drank plenty of water and hot and cold herbal teas. For dinner, he combined simple ingredients like mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, chicken, or fish.
His diet resembled the Mediterranean diet, focusing on whole foods, vegetables, fruits, and lean protein. Science has shown this is one of the best ways to eat for longevity, helping to prevent chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer, and dementia.
In addition to a sensible diet, exercise also contributed to Armani's robust health. According to Harper's Bazaar, even at 82, he maintained a daily morning workout routine. It began with a 30-minute walk (outdoors or on a treadmill), followed by aerobics and weight training, ending with stretching.
Binh Minh (Business Insider)
