Final Farewell to Giorgio Armani in Milan
MILANO (AP) – Hundreds of fans and notable personalities gathered to honor Giorgio Armani on Saturday, celebrating the Milanese mayor’s legacy as a figure of “extraordinary elegance” who left a lasting impact on both the city and the global fashion scene.
Armani passed away on Thursday at the age of 91, in his central Milan home, surrounded by family. His fashion house revealed that he continued to work up until the end, with one of his last endeavors being a runway show that commemorated the 50th anniversary of his brand.
Attendees made their way to the Armani Theatre, a venue where he often showcased his ready-to-wear collections. The atmosphere was serene, with the soft glow of candlelight and the delicate music of Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi filling the space. A stunning display of long-stemmed white roses adorned the area, complemented by ceremonial guards from the Carabinieri.
Among the mourners was Donatella Versace, who arrived in a dark suit holding a bouquet of white flowers, but left without making any remarks.
A striking sculpture, carved from fresh marble, stood close by, a tribute to the designer. While Armani was known for his privacy and wasn’t publicly identified as a Catholic, a priest who visited shortly after his passing revealed that he had attended daily Mass.
Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sarah, expressed his sorrow while standing next to Leo Delcoco, Armani’s long-time collaborator. “He was a man of extraordinary elegance,” Sarah shared outside the venue. “The city is filled with reminders of Armani. We can never forget him.”
He recounted a conversation he had with Armani in early August. “He mentioned how challenging times reveal true friendships,” Sarah recalled.
Anamaria Longo Dhoni traveled over two hours from Lago Maggiore just to pay her respects, donning an Armani blue jacket. “Wearing it makes you feel perfect,” she commented. “It never goes out of style, even after all these years.”
A couple of hours after the doors opened, the line of mourners stretched down the street, indicative of the deep respect held for Armani.
The public viewing is set to continue through Sunday, followed by a private funeral, with specific details kept confidential.
Milan is dotted with landmarks that pay homage to Armani, including his theatre, the Armani/Silos Museum, and various flagship stores and hotels across the city. He also played a supportive role for cultural institutions like the renowned Teatro alla Scala and owned the Olympia Milan basketball team.
One of his notable billboards welcomes visitors to Milan’s Linate Airport, a testament to his pioneering approach to communication in the fashion world. Armani even missed Milan Fashion Week in June 2025 to focus on his health.
The outpouring of grief and tributes has come from friends and admirers worldwide, including notable figures like Ralph Lauren, Julia Roberts, Anna Wintour, and Leonardo DiCaprio.
In a heartfelt message to the mourners, Armani’s image displayed a smile alongside a statement: “The mark I hope to leave is one of commitment, respect, and genuine care for people and reality. That’s truly where it all begins.”
