The city of Milan has entered a period of deep mourning as thousands gather to pay their final respects to Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian designer whose understated yet powerful vision redefined global fashion. Armani, who died on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the age of 91 after months of fragile health, leaves behind a legacy that stretches far beyond the runways of Milan and the red carpets of Hollywood.
From early Saturday morning, crowds began to assemble outside the Teatro Armani at Via Bergognone 59 in northern Milan. Some mourners were in line as early as 7:00 am, braving the late summer air to secure a place among the first to enter the funeral chamber, which opened at 9:00 am and was set to remain accessible until 6:00 pm on both Saturday and Sunday. The Teatro Armani, a former Nestlé chocolate factory transformed in 2001 at Armani’s request into the minimalist yet luxurious headquarters of his empire, became the site of homage and remembrance. According to AFP, this was the very space where Armani showcased his collections, and now, it serves as the setting for his final farewell.
Inside the theatre hall, the atmosphere was hushed and reverent. Rows of candles in paper bags cast a gentle, flickering glow, while the evocative music of Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi played softly in the background. The designer’s coffin, adorned with a bouquet of long-stemmed white roses and flanked by a Carabinieri guard of honour in full uniform, stood as the focal point. A large photograph of Armani, accompanied by one of his own reflections, overlooked the scene: “The mark I hope to leave is one of commitment, respect and attention to people and reality. That is where it all begins,” Armani wrote—a sentiment that resonated deeply with those in attendance.
As reported by AFP and Italian media, the outpouring of grief and admiration has come not only from the fashion world but also from leaders in politics, business, and even sports. Messages of condolence have arrived from every corner of the globe, underscoring the breadth of Armani’s influence and the universal respect he commanded. Milan Mayor Beppe Sala described Armani as a “man of extraordinary elegance” who left an indelible mark on both the city and the world of fashion.
Among the mourners were not only ordinary citizens but also a host of luminaries and close friends. Designer Donatella Versace, dressed in a black suit and carrying a bouquet of white flowers, paid her respects in person, leaving her tribute at the coffin. Other notable attendees included designers Ennio Capasa and Alessandro Enriquez, former Milan mayors Letizia Moratti and Gabriele Albertini, prefect Claudio Sgaraglia, councillors Tommaso Sacchi and Alessia Cappello, and the current and former presidents of Camera Moda, Carlo Capasa and Mario Boselli. Actors Beppe Fiorello and Alessandro Preziosi, singer Alexia (the wife of Armani’s nephew Andrea Camerana), and directors Gabriele Salvatores and Giuseppe Tornatore were also present, reflecting the wide-ranging impact Armani had on Italian culture and beyond.
Armani’s journey from Piacenza, where he was born, to the heights of international fashion is the stuff of legend. Initially enrolling in medical school, he soon found his calling elsewhere, starting his career as a window dresser at a Milan department store. By 1973, he had opened his own design studio in Milan, and two years later, he launched his debut collection under the Giorgio Armani name. The city quickly adopted him as one of its own, and his relationship with Milan became both personal and symbolic. In recognition of his contributions, Milan has declared the day of his funeral, Monday, September 8, 2025, a day of mourning—a rare honor that speaks volumes about his stature.
Armani’s vision was transformative. As reported by AFP, he was credited with inventing the concept of red-carpet fashion, especially after opening an office in Los Angeles in 1983 with the express goal of dressing celebrities. Hollywood actors, pop stars, and even royalty became regular clients, drawn to his exquisitely tailored yet understated creations. Cinema, he often said, was a constant source of inspiration. But Armani’s ambitions didn’t stop at clothing. Over the years, he expanded his brand into haute couture, interior design, hotels, perfumes, and even chocolates—always maintaining a firm grip on quality and the brand’s image.
Despite his global reach, Armani remained deeply involved in every aspect of his company, building a devoted team that became his surrogate family. He had no children of his own, but his nieces Roberta and Silvana Armani and his nephew Andrea Camerana are all involved in the business. Another key figure, Pantaleo Dell'Orco, heads the men’s style office and has represented Armani at fashion shows throughout 2025. The future of the Armani empire is a subject of much speculation, but in a statement following his death, his family and employees pledged “to protecting what he built and to carrying his company forward in his memory.”
Even in his final months, Armani remained committed to his work. According to Italian media, he was actively involved in preparing a special fashion show to mark the fiftieth anniversary of his brand—a show that was intended to close Milan Fashion Week at the end of September. That event, originally planned as a celebration, will now serve as a tribute to his life’s work and enduring influence. The show, scheduled for September 28 at the historic Palazzo Brera, promises to be a poignant moment for the city and the fashion world alike.
The details of Armani’s private funeral have not been made public, but the sense of loss is palpable throughout Milan and the global fashion community. “Milan has lost a piece of its history,” said Emanuela Ottolina, a local resident, capturing the sentiment of many. The city’s streets, usually buzzing with anticipation for Fashion Week, are instead filled with quiet reflection and gratitude for a man who brought Italian excellence to the world stage.
As the final visitors file through the Teatro Armani, leaving behind flowers, notes, and whispered prayers, one thing is clear: Giorgio Armani’s legacy is secure. His commitment, his respect for people and reality, and his relentless pursuit of elegance will continue to inspire generations to come. The world may have lost a fashion icon, but the mark he hoped to leave—one of dedication and humanity—remains indelible.
