Hollywood superstar Russell Crowe has long been credited with the revival and survival of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, but it’s often forgotten that fashion mogul Giorgio Armani also played a role.
Armani, the legendary Italian fashion designer, passed away in his Milan home on Thursday at the age of 91.
Despite recent health challenges that caused him to miss Milan Men’s Fashion Week for the first time, he continued working until the end.
His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from global leaders, celebrities, and peers, all honouring his quiet revolutions in fashion and enduring legacy.
That included Crowe, part owner of the Rabbitohs, who revealed that Armani inspired him so much, that he brought the fashion label over to the battling NRL side in 2007.
In 2006, Crowe teamed up with businessman Peter Holmes à Court to buy a 75 per cent stake in the Rabbitohs.
Russell Crowe arrives and Giorgio Armani have enjoyed a strong friendship over almost three decades, pictured together in 2025
The South Sydney Rabbitohs first wore their new Armani suits in 2007 as Crowe looked to bring respect and credibility back to the battling NRL side
Players wore the suits to games and official NRL functions as part of the rebuild under the private ownership of Crowe and Peter Holmes à Court
The deal was worth $3million and came after years of financial struggles and poor on-field results for the club since fighting their way back into the NRL.
Many long-time fans were initially divided about private ownership, but the members voted in favour of the takeover.
Crowe used his global profile to bring sponsorships, media attention, and new professionalism to the team.
Under his part ownership, the Rabbitohs rebuilt their facilities, strengthened their roster and stabilised their finances.
The move is widely credited with saving the club from collapse and laying the foundation for their 2014 premiership win.
One of the big changes Crowe brought into Redfern was the addition of Armani suits, worn by all players to games, in a bid to add professionalism and class to the rebuilding brand.
Now, Crowe has revealed in a tribute to Armani how that came about through a sliding doors moment that led to a lifelong love of his clothing.
‘Giorgio. 1997 at the Cannes film festival, after my bag was lost in transit, LA Confidential producer Arnon Milchan sent me to the Armani store with a credit card to get a suit for the premiere,’ the actor posted.
Crowe’s relationship with Armani began while filming the 1997 film LA Confidential, when his luggage went missing and he needed an emergency suit
Since that Day, Crowe has had a lifelong love affair with Giorgio Armani and his clothing
‘That began a love affair with Armani suits that continues to this day.
‘Mr Armani has made a deep contribution, to fashion, to design, to popular culture.
‘His energy, vision and finesse has made a mark acknowledged around the globe. I adored him. He was so kind.
‘So many significant moments in my life, awards, wedding, Wimbledon… all in Armani.
‘I have been looking forward to seeing him, plans were in place for Milan at the end of this month. Alas… What a life he had, from his beginnings to his glory. Grazie Giorgio vivrai sempre nel mio cuore.’
Armani himself said it was a privilege to play a role in reviving the credibility of the battling Bunnies at the time.
‘It’s a very big sport, very big players,’ Armani said.
‘It gives me a sense of power [to watch]. I’m very happy that from 16th position, they’re now seventh with my suits on. Russell’s very good. He believes a lot in the team.’
Armani leave a legacy for pioneering red-carpet glamour and power dressing – including with the Rabbitohs.
He launched his company in Milan in 1975, and his sharp, unstructured suits revolutionised menswear and women’s fashion, cementing Armani as a leading global luxury brand.
His designs have been famously worn by celebrities such as Richard Gere, who popularised Armani suits in American Gigolo, and Hollywood icons like Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett, and Anne Hathaway on the red carpet.
Music legends including Beyoncé, Madonna, and Lady Gaga have also showcased his creations. Even sports stars such as David Beckham and Rafael Nadal have fronted Armani campaigns.
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .