Princess Charlene of Monaco has paid a heartfelt tribute to the fashion designer, Giorgio Armani, following his death on September 4 at the age of 91. The Armani Group announced the news “with infinite sorrow” on Thursday, paying tribute to its “creator, founder and tireless driving force”.
Following the announcement, Princess Charlene issued her own statement to the designer, who created her wedding dress for her marriage to Prince Albert II of Monaco in 2011. Sharing a chic black and white photo of her husband and the designer on her wedding day on Instagram, she wrote: “It is with great sadness that the Prince and I have learnt of the death of Giorgio Armani. He was an emblematic figure in the fashion world and has created and shaped trends that have influenced generations.
“Amongst the variety of his works, was also my wedding dress in July 2011. His work and achievements will survive him and continue to be present in the future. H.S.H. Princess Charlene.”
The Princess’s statement was also shared in French, the national language of the principality.
Announcing their co-founder’s death, Armani Group issued a statement on Thursday which read: “With infinite sorrow, the Armani group announces the passing of its creator, founder and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani.”
In a statement on the brand’s Instagram page, it said Armani “worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections and the many ongoing future projects”.
It also said he was “indefatigable to the end” and “driven by relentless curiosity and a deep attention to the present and to people”.
His company Armani expanded from fashion into an empire spanning beauty, fragrance, music, sport and even luxury hotels.
Princess Charlene’s wedding dress represented a significant departure from other European royal wedding gowns, with a sleek modern design and intricate embroidery.
Armani constructed the off-white column gown with duchess silk satin and included subtle glittering elements running down the front of the dress.
Roughly 40,000 Swarovski crystals, 20,000 mother-of-pearl teardrops and 30,000 gold stones created the delicate botanical design embroidered along the front of the bodice and down the skirt.
A long train measuring roughly 16 feet added further drama to the look and contemporary elements included a crossover neckline.
The wedding of Prince Albert II of Monaco and Charlene took place in July 2011 at the Prince’s Palace of Monaco.