Legendary Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani has passed away at the age of 91, the Armani Group confirmed on Thursday.

“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” the company said in a statement.

Armani, celebrated globally for his timeless elegance and modern Italian style, built a fashion empire that generated €2.3 billion (\$2.7 billion) annually. Known as “Re Giorgio” (King Giorgio), he was admired for his hands-on approach, personally overseeing every detail of his collections and even styling models before they walked the runway.

The designer, who had been in declining health, missed Milan’s Men’s Fashion Week in June—his first-ever absence from a show in his decades-long career.

A funeral chamber will be open in Milan on Saturday and Sunday, followed by a private service at a later date, the company said. (Reuters)