As reported by Vogue, Giorgio Armani on 26 November was awarded Italy’s highest honour, the Knight Grand Cross. The honour reflects Armani’s six-decade career and service in the fashion industry as well as his status as the country’s leading lights across the fashion, lifestyle and luxury sectors.

The award was bestowed by Italy's President Sergio Mattarella in a private ceremony at the Palazzo del Quirinale in Rome.  Armani said that he is “proud to represent Italy and is honoured to receive this prestigious title”.

“This honour holds a particular meaning for me. It came from our president, who is not only the head of state, but also a man whose values, open-mindedness and kindness are unquestionably high,” said Armani after the ceremony.

The Knight Grand Cross is an Italian civilian honour that is part of the country's Order of Merit. It is awarded to experts in the fields of literature, the arts, economy, public service and social, philanthropic and humanitarian activities. Two other Italian designers also received this recognition, namely Valentino Garavani in 1986 and Miuccia Prada in 2015. 

Other than to celebrate his well-respected career as a designer, the award also recognises Armani’s efforts to promote the Italian creative industries to the world stage as well as his long history of supporting charitable causes.

Armani founded his fashion line in 1975 with professional and life partner Sergio Galeotti. The brand has also tapped into other business sectors, such as hotels, sports, interior and dining.

In 2016, Armani established the Giorgio Armani Foundation that donated $2.2 million to hospitals in Italy during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.