In the quiet village of Rivalta, nestled near Piacenza in northern Italy, an era-defining chapter in the world of fashion came to a close as Giorgio Armani, the legendary designer who transformed modern elegance, was laid to rest. Armani, who died at age 91 on September 4, 2025, was honored in a private funeral on September 8 at the 14th-century Church of San Martino, just a stone’s throw from his birthplace. The ceremony, attended by close family and friends, stood in stark contrast to the outpouring of public grief witnessed over the preceding weekend in Milan.
As reported by CNN, Rivalta was closed to tourists and visitors for the day, granting Armani and his family the privacy they sought. Local residents, however, gathered along the narrow village roads, some tossing white rose petals and applauding as the hearse passed—a moving gesture of affection for a man who, while a global icon, never forgot his roots. According to a local account, "Yesterday I forgot to tell him something," one longtime collaborator confessed, reflecting the deep bonds Armani fostered throughout his life and career.
The funeral itself was an intimate affair, with around 20 guests present, including family members and those closest to the designer. Armani’s body was to be cremated, with his ashes laid to rest beside his parents and younger brother on September 10. Silvana, his niece and confidante in recent years, now assumes the responsibility of safeguarding the values and legacy of the Armani empire—a task she approaches with both pride and palpable emotion. "It's incredibly hard," she whispered, her words echoing the sentiments of many who knew Armani personally and professionally.
Yet, while the final farewell was reserved for a select few, the scale of Armani’s impact was on full display in Milan. Over the weekend of September 6 and 7, approximately 16,000 people (with some reports citing 15,000) queued along Via Bergognone to pay their respects at the Armani Teatro headquarters, where a chapel of rest had been set up. The space, which had hosted countless runway shows and creative milestones, became a place of collective remembrance. The crowd was a tapestry of admirers: company employees, devoted fans from across Italy, and a constellation of celebrities spanning fashion, sport, film, and politics.
Among those present were Donatella Versace, Milan’s mayor Giuseppe Sala, and film directors Gabriele Salvatores and Giuseppe Tornatore, as CNN noted. The designer’s brother Santo also paid a personal farewell, and Olympic champion Federica Pellegrini spoke movingly of her bond with Armani: "We spoke before and after the competitions. His white roses have accompanied me around the world. It's not an easy day." The world of cinema, which Armani cherished, was represented by Margherita Buy, who recalled his generosity and ability to build authentic relationships, and Stefano Accorsi, who remembered Armani’s genuine curiosity and attention to detail.
Gestures of kindness and humility peppered the memories shared by those who knew him. Margherita Buy recounted, "During dinner, I told him he had a nice watch, and he took it off and gave it to me." For Isabella Ferrari, Armani’s support came at a pivotal moment: "I had nothing, I was very young. He helped me, without hesitation." Antonia Dell’Atte, a longtime muse, remembered his directness and loyalty, saying, "Two years ago he dedicated an exhibition to me. I told him I was nobody, and he replied, 'Then next time I won't do anything to you.' He was direct, like few others."
The outpouring of grief and gratitude extended well beyond the fashion industry. Notable figures from sport, such as Paolo Maldini, Marco Tardelli, Flavia Pennetta, and Fabio Fognini, mingled with designers Dean and Dan Caten, composer Ludovico Einaudi, and political leaders including Minister Anna Maria Bernini, regional governor Attilio Fontana, and former prime ministers Matteo Renzi and Mario Monti. As the doors to the chapel closed at 6:00 PM on Sunday, Armani’s coffin was carried out to applause from employees—many of whom considered themselves part of his extended family.
Armani’s influence was not confined to the glitz of red carpets or the runways of Milan. As a pioneer, he redefined tailoring and modern elegance, building a multi-billion-euro luxury lifestyle brand beloved by Hollywood A-listers and everyday admirers alike. From his first foray into fashion in 1975 to his final days, Armani’s understated yet exquisitely tailored creations shaped decades of style and culture. His absence at Milan’s Men’s Fashion Week in June 2025—his first ever—signaled to many that an era was drawing to a close. The company’s statement at the time, noting he was "currently recovering at home," offered little detail, but his legacy was already secure.
Even as the world mourned, Armani’s vision continued. Up until his last days, he was working on a retrospective exhibition and a runway show to mark 50 years in business—both events are still expected to go ahead, according to CNN. In a nod to his enduring influence, Armani stores across Italy closed on the afternoon of September 8 as a mark of respect, with officials declaring a day of mourning in both Piacenza and Milan.
For many, the story of Giorgio Armani is not just one of fashion, but of humanity. His generosity, humility, and relentless pursuit of excellence left an indelible mark on those around him. As one collaborator put it, "He was an attentive man, and this made him great." The final, private ceremony in Rivalta was a fitting end for a man whose life was defined by both public triumph and private grace.
As Armani is laid to rest beside his family, the world he helped shape continues to turn—his legacy woven into the very fabric of modern style and culture.
