UPDATE: Hundreds of admirers and prominent figures gathered in Milan on Saturday to pay their last respects to legendary designer Giorgio Armani, who passed away at the age of 91 on Thursday at his home in Italy’s fashion capital. Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, hailed Armani as a “man of extraordinary elegance,” leaving an indelible mark on both the city and the global fashion industry.
The emotional farewell took place at the Armani/Teatro, where attendees included fashion icons, film directors, and sports leaders. Among the mourners was renowned designer Donatella Versace, who honored Armani with a bouquet of white flowers. Other notable attendees included film directors Giuseppe Tornatore and Gabriele Salvatores, along with Giovanni Malagò, president of the Italian Olympic Committee.
Armani’s fashion house confirmed he worked tirelessly until the end, with one of his final projects being a major runway show set to celebrate 50 years of his brand during Milan Fashion Week, which begins later this month.
The theater was filled with the scent of incense and the soft sounds of piano music by Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi, creating a serene atmosphere as mourners paid tribute to the legendary designer. His casket, adorned with a bouquet of long-stem white roses, was flanked by carabinieri honor guards in ceremonial dress.
Mayor Sala expressed his deep condolences to Leo Dell’Orco, Armani’s longtime collaborator, recalling a heartfelt phone call from Armani just weeks before his death. Sala shared, “He said, ‘There is always something positive in difficult moments. True friends show themselves. I am your true friend.’ This I will always remember.”
Mourners paid tribute by wearing pieces from Armani’s collections or bringing flowers. One attendee, Annamaria Longo Dorni, traveled over two hours from Lago Maggiore, stating, “You put it on, and you’re perfect. It’s always up to date, even after 20 years.”
The public viewing is set to continue through Sunday, followed by a private funeral whose details remain undisclosed. The widespread outpouring of grief from the Milanese community underscores Armani’s close ties to the city he loved. Local resident Silvana Proglio stated, “Armani is Milan. He was a beautiful person inside who always gave a lot to Milan.”
Armani’s legacy in Milan is marked by landmarks such as the Armani/Silos museum and his flagship stores, as well as being a significant supporter of cultural institutions, including Teatro alla Scala. His influence in the fashion industry is unrivaled, with a permanent presence in the city’s advertising landscape, including a billboard at Milan’s Linate Airport.
As tributes continue to pour in from around the globe, including heartfelt messages from celebrities like Ralph Lauren, Julia Roberts, and Leonardo DiCaprio, Armani left a final message for his admirers, projected in the theater next to a smiling photo of himself: “The mark I hope to leave is one of commitment, respect and genuine care for people and for reality. That’s where everything truly begins.”
The world mourns the loss of a fashion icon whose impact will resonate for generations to come.
