MILAN (AP) – On Saturday, thousands of admirers and notable figures gathered to pay their final respects to Giorgio Armani, who passed away at the age of 91 at his home in Milan, Italy. Milan's mayor, Giuseppe Sala, described Armani as a “man of extraordinary elegance” whose influence left an indelible mark on both the city and the global fashion industry.
Armani died on Thursday, surrounded by loved ones, and his fashion house reported that he remained active until the end. One of his last major projects was a runway show commemorating the 50th anniversary of his iconic Giorgio Armani brand, set to conclude Milan Fashion Week later this month.
Donatella Versace was among the prominent attendees, paying her respects at the theater where Armani frequently showcased his ready-to-wear collections, leaving a bouquet of white flowers as a tribute. Other notable mourners included Italian directors Giuseppe Tornatore and Gabriele Salvatores, alongside Giovanni Malagò, the president of the Italian Olympic Committee, and Carlo Capasa, president of the Italian fashion chamber, who attended with his brother, Ennio Capasa, a designer for Costume National.
The atmosphere at the theater was poignant, with the scent of incense filling the air. Armani's casket was placed amid rows of candle-lit paper lanterns, casting a shimmering glow, as gentle piano music composed by Ludovico Einaudi played in the background. The closed casket was adorned with a bouquet of long-stem white roses, flanked by ceremonial guards from the carabinieri.
Milan's mayor, Sala, was one of the first to arrive, expressing his condolences to Leo Dell’Orco, Armani's longtime collaborator and head of menswear. Sala recalled a heartfelt phone call from Armani in early August discussing a corruption scandal affecting the city. “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,’” Sala shared. “This I will always remember.”
Many mourners left flowers or wore pieces from their Armani wardrobes as a sign of respect. Annamaria Longo Dorni traveled for over two hours from Lago Maggiore to pay her last respects, proudly donning an Armani midnight blue jacket. “You put it on, and you’re perfect. It’s always up to date, even after 20 years,” she expressed.
The public viewing for Armani will continue through Sunday, followed by a private funeral, the details of which have yet to be revealed. By the end of the day, approximately 6,000 mourners had come to honor the beloved designer, illustrating his deep connections with the people of Milan.
Silvana Proglio, another mourner, remarked, “Armani is Milan. He was a beautiful person inside who always gave a lot to Milan, at every moment. It is correct to be here to pay homage. He was a great person with a capital G.”
Milan features several landmarks associated with Armani, including the Armani/Teatro show space and the Armani/Silos museum located in the heart of the city's design district. Additionally, he was a devoted supporter of cultural institutions such as Milan's Teatro alla Scala and also owned the Olympia Milan basketball team.
The iconic Emporio Armani billboard welcomes travelers arriving at Milan's Linate Airport, and the brand maintains a notable presence with a permanent advertisement in the city’s Brera district. Armani, known as one of the most recognizable figures in the global fashion industry, notably missed Milan Fashion Week in June 2025 for the first time during the previews of Spring-Summer 2026 menswear due to health reasons.
Tributes and condolences have poured in from friends and admirers worldwide, with messages from notable personalities such as Ralph Lauren, Julia Roberts, Anna Wintour, and Leonardo DiCaprio. In a final message projected in the theater, alongside a photo of him smiling and waving, Armani expressed, “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.”
