Celebrity News
Italian Designer Giorgio Armani Dies at 91
Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani, one of the most influential figures in modern fashion, has died at the age of 91. The news was confirmed by his company on Thursday, stating he passed away “surrounded by his loved ones.”
In its official statement, the Armani Group said:
“With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani.”
The announcement was first reported by France 24, which noted that Armani’s fashion house would set up a funeral chamber in Milan on Saturday and Sunday, followed by a private funeral at a later date.
Photo: Giorgio Armani- Instagram
Born in Piacenza in 1934, Armani started out in medicine before moving into window dressing and eventually fashion design. In 1975, he co-founded his namesake label, selling his Volkswagen Beetle to raise the funds. What began as a small venture grew into one of the most powerful fashion empires in the world, spanning couture, ready-to-wear, perfumes, hotels, and interior design.
He was known for pioneering unstructured tailoring, a style that stripped away stiffness and redefined power dressing in the 1980s. Armani’s designs became synonymous with understated luxury, worn by Hollywood stars, business leaders, and royalty alike. In South Africa, his work has been a regular presence at film festivals in Durban and Cape Town, where local stars often wear Armani on international red carpets.
By 2025, the Armani Group was generating an annual turnover of more than €2.3 billion ($2.7 billion), making it one of Italy’s most successful fashion houses. Armani’s health had been declining in recent months. In June, he missed Milan Men’s Fashion Week—marking the first time in his decades-long career that he was absent from a catwalk show.
Photo- Giorgio Armani-Instagram
In Italy, Armani was affectionately known as Re Giorgio (King Giorgio). Unlike many designers who later stepped back from the spotlight, Armani remained at the heart of his company until the end. His eye for detail and insistence on perfection set him apart, shaping a brand that balanced creativity with strong business acumen.
The company confirmed that a funeral chamber will be open to the public in Milan over the weekend, allowing admirers and industry figures to pay their respects. A private family funeral will follow at a later date. Giorgio Armani leaves behind not just a global fashion empire, but also a legacy that reshaped how the world understands elegance, discipline, and Italian style.
French Montana is set to headline two shows in South Africa this December. This is part of the launch of AFROTRAX, a new live entertainment series. The rapper will perform in Cape Town on December 4 before heading to Johannesburg for a second show on December 5, 2026.
The events are organised by AFROTRAX in partnership with PLAYY. The Cape Town show takes place at The Ostrich Farm. It will start from 2pm until midnight. The Johannesburg event is at The Canvas. It begins at 1pm and ends at 11pm.
Born Karim Kharbouch, Montana songs include “Unforgettable” featuring Swae Lee, “No Stylist,” “Pop That” and “Ain’t Worried About Nothin’.” Over the years, he has worked with Drake, Cardi B, Post Malone and Chris Brown.
Photo: Getty Images
“Unforgettable,” released in 2017, was one of his top hits and it reached the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.
American rapper B.o.B will be a special guest at both events. His songs are “Nothin’ on You,” featuring Bruno Mars, “Airplanes,” featuring Hayley Williams, and “Magic,” featuring Rivers Cuomo.
Read Also: Pack Your Bags! Swae Lee and French Montana Drop “SUITCASE”
South African artists will also feature prominently across the two dates. The Cape Town line-up includes Cassper Nyovest, Nasty C, YoungstaCPT and 25K, alongside Jairic, Rarri, Kane as a DJ and Bassik.
The Johannesburg event will feature Cassper Nyovest, amapiano producer and DJ Kabza De Small, and rapper Blxckie. Lucasraps, Jairic, Rarri, K.Keed and Teddy Tumi are also scheduled to perform.
AFROTRAX says its events will offer a festival experience that extends beyond the headline performances, with music, food, lifestyle activations and hospitality options forming part of the programme.
Photo: Getty Images
The organisers have directed fans to PLAYY. Music for ticket access and latest updates about the event. Fans should consult the official ticketing platform before making arrangements.
The two shows will mark the launch of AFROTRAX in South Africa. With French Montana and B.o.B leading the international line-up, the events will bring American performers and South African artists together in December.
Nia Long has been honoured with the 2,857th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking a major milestone in a career that has spanned more than three decades across film and television.
The actress was celebrated during a ceremony on Wednesday, September 16, where rapper Snoop Dogg and Michael producer Graham King served as guest speakers. Larenz Tate, Morris Chestnut, Tiffany Haddish, Mike Epps and Terrence Howard were among the stars who attended the event. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce also declared September 16 Nia Long Day.
Photo: Instagram/@Nia Long
For Long, the occasion brought back memories of visiting Hollywood Boulevard with her mother, Talita Long, when she was young. She recalled looking at the stars along the famous street before eventually seeing her own name added to the Walk of Fame decades later.
Long’s career gained wider attention with John Singleton’s 1991 film Boyz n the Hood. She went on to appear in films including Friday, Love Jones, The Best Man, Soul Food and Made in America. Her television credits include playing Lisa Wilkes on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, as well as roles in Third Watch, NCIS: Los Angeles, Empire, Dear White People and #blackAF.
Her recent work includes Michael, Antoine Fuqua’s biopic about Michael Jackson, in which Long plays Katherine Jackson. The role also reunited her with producer Graham King.
Photo: Instagram/@Nia Long
During the ceremony, Snoop Dogg spoke about Long’s career and the importance of remaining true to herself in an industry where performers can face pressure to change. His appearance reflected the long-standing connections Long has built during her years in entertainment.
Long also used her speech to recognise the people who have supported her throughout her journey. She thanked God, her mother, her sons Massai and Kez, family members who have died and the women who have been part of her life.
She also reflected on her younger self, remembering the girl from Brooklyn with Caribbean roots who once questioned whether she could achieve the career she wanted.
Photo: Instagram/@Nia Long
The Walk of Fame recognition comes as Long continues to work in film and television. She is set to reunite with her Love Jones co-star Larenz Tate in the upcoming Netflix romantic drama Don’t Ever Wonder, where she also serves as executive producer.
The actress is also working on a memoir, while another project with Ice Cube, Are They Gone Yet?, is in development. The pair previously worked together on Are We There Yet? and Are We Done Yet?.
Long’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star adds another significant milestone to a career that has included some of the most recognisable films and television shows of the past three decades.
Shekhinah has announced that she is now a mother. She shared the news through a series of maternity photographs online.
The Suited hitmaker posted images from a beachside maternity shoot. She wore a beaded white two-piece outfit with a lace veil while looking in the ocean at sunset. The photographs were credited to “Aunty Bebe.”
Shekhinah also shared a message dedicated to her daughter. She described her child as a blessing.
“We are so lucky to have you with us, baby girl. I am leaving these pictures here as a forever reminder of the magic that is pregnancy and a time stamp to when life changed forever for the better. By God’s grace, you are here and more precious@ than we could have asked for… happy three months to our favourite girl,”
Photo: Instagram/@Shekinahd
The announcement came three months after the birth, meaning Shekhinah kept her pregnancy secret. The child’s father’s name was not mentioned.
Read Also: Ciara Is Pregnant, Expecting Her Fifth Child With Russell Wilson
Her decision to share the news after the birth follows how private she is. While Shekhinah has a successful career in music, she has kept family matters to herself.
The maternity photographs attracted reactions from Bonang Matheba, Boity Thulo, DJ Zinhle, Natasha Thahane, Ayanda Thabethe and Lungile Thabethe.
Photo: Instagram/@Shekinahd
Her appearance on Idols SA made her popular. She established herself as a singer and songwriter with songs including “Suited,” “Please Mr.” and “Different.”
Her debut album, Rose Gold, became a multi platinum release in South Africa. Her second album, Trouble in Paradise earned Gold certification.
The singer’s motherhood announcement comes as a new chapter in her personal life. By choosing to reveal the news through selected maternity photographs, she has shown the world she can be open when need be.
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