The mayor of Milan recalled Giorgio Armani as a “man of extraordinary elegance” who had a lasting impression on the city and the world of fashion, as thousands of admirers and VIPs paid their final respects to him on Saturday.
In the presence of his loved ones, Armani passed away Thursday at the age of 91 in his residence in the fashion capital of Italy. He worked until the very end, according to his fashion house. A runway show commemorating the 50th anniversary of his iconic Giorgio Armani brand, which is scheduled to end Milan Fashion Week later this month, was one of his last endeavours.
Donatella Versace left a bouquet of white flowers as a token of her respect at the theatre where Armani frequently displayed his ready-to-wear collections, Associated Press reported.
Other notable mourners included Italian fashion chamber president Carlo Capasa and his brother, Costume National designer Ennio Capasa; Italian film directors Giuseppe Tornatore and Gabriele Salvatores; and Giovanni Malagò, president of the Italian Olympic Committee.
Others present were former Milan mayors Letizia Moratti and Gabriele Albertini, prefect Claudio Sgaraglia and councillors Tommaso Sacchi and Alessia Cappello. Former President of Camera Moda, Mario Boselli, actors Beppe Fiorello and Alessandro Preziosi, singer Alexia, who is the wife of Andrea Camerana, Armani’s nephew.
While Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi’s piano music played softly in the background, Armani’s casket was placed among rows of paper lanterns lighted by candles, creating a shimmering light that filled the theatre with the aroma of incense. carabinieri honour guards in ceremonial attire flanked the closed casket, which was decorated with a bouquet of long-stemmed white roses.
One of the first people to arrive was Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala, who stood close to the casket and offered condolences to Leo Dell’Orco, Armani’s long-time partner and head of menswear.
“A man of extraordinary elegance. Milan is full of signs of Armani. It will be impossible to forget him,” he said speaking to reporters.
Sala recalled receiving a call from the legendary Italian fashion designer at the beginning of August, when the city was embroiled in a corruption investigation.
“He said, ‘I understand this is a difficult moment. There is always something positive in difficult moments. True friends show themselves. I am your true friend.’ This I will always remember,’’ Sala said.
In memory, many mourners wore Armani from their closets or brought flowers. Wearing an Armani midnight blue jacket, Annamaria Longo Dorni travelled over two hours from Lago Maggiore, north of Milan, to pay her final respects.
“You put it on, and you’re perfect. It’s always up to date, even after 20 years,” she said.
Through Sunday, the public viewing will remain open. After a private funeral, the details of which have not yet been made public, Armani will be laid to rest.
Approximately 6,000 mourners had paid their respects by the end of the day. Armani’s strong ties to his adopted city were reflected in the outpouring from many regular Milanese.
“Armani is Milan. He was a beautiful person inside who always gave a lot to Milan, in every moment. It is correct to be here to pay homage,’’ said Silvana Proglio. “He was a great person with a capital G.”
Armani’s home and historic offices in the city centre, his flagship stores and hotel, and the Armani/Teatro show space and the Armani/Silos museum, an exhibition space in the centre of the city’s design area include among Milan’s landmarks.
He also owned the Olympia Milan basketball team and was a big supporter of cultural organisations like Milan’s Teatro alla Scala.
A noticeable permanent Emporio Armani billboard welcomes travellers to Milan’s Linate Airport, and the company has long had a permanent billboard in the Brera neighbourhood of the city, which is representative of Armani’s revolutionary communications strategy.
During the Spring-Summer 2026 menswear previews in June 2025, Armani, one of the most well-known brands and faces in the world of fashion, missed Milan Fashion Week for the first time to recuperate from an undisclosed illness.
Friends and admirers from all around the world, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Anna Wintour, Julia Roberts, and Ralph Lauren, have expressed their condolences.
“The mark I hope to leave is one of commitment, respect, and genuine care for people and for reality. That’s where it all really starts,” Armani said in his farewell letter to the mourners, which was displayed in the theatre next to a picture of the designer smiling and waving.