When fashion legend Giorgio Armani passed away this month, he left more than a design legacy. He left two Wills: one covering his personal estate and another setting out a detailed succession plan for his fashion empire. His instructions included who inherits what, how the company should be managed, and even which buyers he preferred if part of the business was sold.
Armani's estate plan was precise, detailed and deeply personal — but from a US estate planning perspective, it is highly unusual.
Why Armani’s Plan Would Be Strange in the US
1. Handwritten Instructions
Some of Armani’s wishes were handwritten — even on the back of an envelope.
- Don't get any ideas about writing out your wishes by hand. In many US states, handwritten Wills (called Holographic Wills) are not valid at all.
- New York, for example, only allows handwritten Wills for members of the military in active combat or mariners at sea.
- Even if handwritten Wills are recognized in your state, they can easily, and often do, spark disputes and challenges to the legitimacy of the Will.
- Courts prefer formally drafted, witnessed and signed Wills because handwriting is too easy to contest and formalities are often not followed.
2. Multiple Wills
Armani had two Wills — one for business, one for personal property.
- In the US, it would be extremely unusual to attempt to have two different Wills. In fact, a later Will typically revokes the earlier one.
- Having two Wills easily creates confusion and can lead to litigation. For instance, what if there are conflicting terms?
- Instead, Americans use one Will plus supporting documents (like trusts, shareholder agreements or buy-sell agreements) to separate personal and business planning.
3. Public vs. Private Documents
In Italy, Armani’s Wills were filed in court, making every detail public. The same would happen in the US, since Wills go through probate.
- For privacy, Americans use a Revocable Living Trust, paired with a "Pour-Over Will." A simple Pour-Over Will moves assets into the trust, but the trust — not the Will — contains the detailed instructions.
- Trusts keep instructions private, avoid public filings, and allow for more nuanced conditions. Learn more about Revocable Living Trusts here.
4. Business Succession in the Spotlight
Armani’s Will contained detailed business rules: how long parts of the company should be held, who should manage it, and even preferred buyers.
- In the US, business succession is usually handled outside the Will, through corporate documents (shareholder agreements, board resolutions or trust agreements).
- For sensitive or brand-defining instructions, many owners also draft a Letter of Wishes to guide successors without locking details into a public Will.
Key Lessons for Everyone
You don’t need a fashion empire to see the takeaways:
- Clarity matters. Say who inherits what and who’s in charge, but don't try to write it by hand or have two separate Wills in the US.
- Privacy matters. Wills are public and go through probate; trusts are private.
- Business planning matters. Don’t mix business governance into your personal Will.
How an Online Platform Like Herbie Helps
You don’t need Armani’s team of lawyers to create a strong plan. With an online estate planning platform like Herbie, you can:
- Draft a high quality Will that sets up you and your family for success.
- Keep your plan private with a trust, instead of leaving it up for public viewing in court.
- Include business interests in your asset list.
- Add conditions (e.g., kids inherit at 25, spouse keeps the house for life).
- Update documents anytime life changes.
What Armani accomplished with two Wills and lawyers, most families can do at home — simply, privately and affordably.
Final Takeaway
Armani’s estate plan was comprehensive, but in the US, it would have created headaches. The American solution is simple: a valid Will paired with a Revocable Living Trust (and maybe some separate business documents). That combination ensures privacy, avoids disputes and protects your legacy.
Whether you’re leaving behind a business, a family home or personal memories, don’t leave it to chance. Put a plan in place, keep it private and make it enforceable. Get started today making your plan with Herbie.
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News source: AP News, The late Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani instructs heirs to sell stakes in his empire (Sept. 12, 2025).
