Italian luxury king Giorgio Armani, designer to the stars and leader of a high-end lifestyle empire, has died at the age of 91.

"The world lost a giant today. He made history and will be remembered forever," fellow Italian icon Donatella Versace said on Instagram.

The best-known contemporary designer, Armani opened his fashion house in Milan in 1975, quickly rising to the top of the industry and going on to dress Hollywood.

His funeral on Monday will be private but well-wishers will be able to pay their respects at a memorial chamber open on Saturday and Sunday in Milan, his company said in a statement.

The group did not give a cause of death, but Armani missed some shows earlier this year due to unspecified health issues.

"Il Signor Armani, as he was always respectfully and admiringl

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