Fashion world in mourning as iconic Giorgio Armani passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday surrounded by his family.

In a statement released today, the fashion house announced his death ‘with infinite sorrow’.

Giorgio Armani

The Italian-born billionaire died just weeks ahead of a planned 50th anniversary celebration set to take place at Milan fashion week.

A spokesperson for Armani group : ‘Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion, and dedication.’

Armani had been CEO and creative director up until his death and said in his last interview last weekend: ‘My greatest weakness is that I am in control of everything.’

The self-confessed workaholic, who was involved in every aspect of shows left with regret of ‘spending too many hours working and not enough time with friends and family’, he had revealed.

Armani, who dressed celebrities including Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Cate Blanchett and Lady Gaga, was famous for his relaxed tailoring.

His death sent the fashion world into mourning with Donatella Versace saying the ‘world had lost a giant today’.

Writing on Instagram, the Italian fashion leader said: ‘He made history and will be remembered forever.’