Thousands gathered on Saturday to honor Giorgio Armani, the iconic Italian fashion designer, who passed away at 91.
Armani died on Thursday following a period of declining health. His private funeral will take place on Monday in Milan.
This weekend, the public can pay their respects, viewing his coffin at Teatro Armani, Via Bergognone 59, Milan.
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By 9:00 am (0700 GMT), hundreds, led by Armani group staff in mourning attire, queued to pay tribute.
The coffin, adorned with white flowers and surrounded by paper lanterns, was placed in a dimly lit room.
“It’s very emotional,” said Silvia Albonetti, an Emporio Armani saleswoman. “He was incredible… sometimes stern, but always human.”
“Every Armani fashion show was magical. No one highlighted women like he did,” said Pietro Angeleri, a 20-year-old fashion student, to AFP.
Armani, the mastermind behind a luxury empire worth billions, dressed Hollywood stars, pop icons, and royals with his elegant designs.
His passing occurred weeks before the 50th anniversary celebrations of his fashion house at Milan Fashion Week.
Day of Mourning
Born in Piacenza, northern Italy, Armani initially pursued medicine but transitioned to fashion after working as a window dresser in Milan.
By 1973, he had established his own design studio in Milan and launched his first collection in 1975.
Milan, which embraced him as a native, has announced a day of mourning for his funeral.
Armani was hailed for pioneering red-carpet fashion, opening a Los Angeles office in 1983 to dress celebrities. Cinema was a constant muse for him.
Expanding into haute couture, interior design, hotels, fragrances, and chocolates, he maintained control over his brand, building a devoted team he considered family.
Without children, Armani’s death raises questions about his empire’s future.
His nieces, Roberta and Silvana Armani, work within the group, and his nephew Andrea Camerana serves on the board.
‘Continuing the Legacy’
Pantaleo Dell’Orco, a long-time close associate, leads the men’s style department and represented Armani at recent fashion shows.
In a statement, his family and staff vowed to “protect and continue his legacy.”
The public can visit the Teatro, a former Nestlé chocolate factory transformed into Armani’s sleek headquarters, for viewing throughout Saturday and Sunday.
