The world of fashion bid a somber farewell this week to Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian designer whose name became synonymous with understated elegance and timeless style. Armani, who died last Thursday at the age of 91, was remembered in a private funeral held Monday, September 8, 2025, at the Church of San Martino in Rivalta—a medieval village nestled about 100 kilometers southeast of Milan and close to his birthplace, Piacenza.
Attendance at the funeral was limited to a small circle of family, close friends, and a handful of trusted colleagues, underscoring Armani’s reputation for privacy and discretion even in death. The 14th-century church, rich in history and set within a cluster of ancient buildings, provided a fittingly tranquil backdrop for the final goodbye to a man who shaped global fashion for more than five decades. According to Reuters, several dozen local residents gathered quietly along the road as the hearse entered the hamlet, with one woman tossing a white rose in a simple but poignant gesture of respect.
Italian media reports indicated that Armani would be cremated and his ashes laid to rest in a family chapel in Rivalta’s small cemetery, alongside the remains of his parents and older brother. However, there was no official confirmation regarding these arrangements. The designer often visited this chapel and was known to dine in the nearby medieval cluster, a detail that speaks to his enduring connection to his roots, as noted by the Associated Press.
Giuseppe Busani, the parish priest of Rivalta, told Corriere della Sera (via CNN), “We are grateful for having chosen this place; we feel loved and esteemed. Many Armani family events have been celebrated here.” This sense of belonging and tradition was woven throughout the day’s events, highlighting the deep ties between Armani and his native region.
As a mark of respect, Armani stores across Italy closed their doors on Monday afternoon. The cities of Milan—where Armani established the headquarters of his fashion empire after moving there with his family in the late 1940s—and Piacenza both declared a day of mourning. These gestures reflected the profound impact Armani had, not only on the fashion industry but also on the cultural and civic life of Italy.
Over the weekend leading up to the funeral, more than 15,000 mourners paid their respects at Armani’s Milan headquarters, where his wooden casket, adorned with white roses, was displayed for public viewing. The turnout was a testament to the designer’s widespread influence and the affection he inspired. According to Reuters, Milan resident Alessandra Torchio expressed the sentiment of many: “I feel very saddened, because he was a man of great style who, of course, has left an indelible mark… We are definitely losing a great, truly great talent.”
The Armani Group, in a statement last week, described the designer as “the creator, founder, and tireless driving force” of the company. The statement continued, “Il Signor Armani, as he was always respectfully and admiringly called by employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and the many ongoing and future projects.”
Indeed, Armani was actively working on a major retrospective exhibition and a fashion show to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his business, scheduled for Milan Fashion Week in late September. As of Monday, his company had not announced any changes to these plans, a sign that the team of trusted family members and long-term confidants—who were closely involved in running the business and are expected to continue his legacy—intend to honor his dedication and vision.
Born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, on the banks of the Po River, Giorgio Armani rose from modest beginnings to become one of the most recognizable names in global fashion. Over a career spanning more than fifty years, he built a sprawling business empire encompassing haute couture, ready-to-wear, accessories, and even home furnishings. His minimalist aesthetic, characterized by clean lines and a muted palette, redefined elegance for generations of women and men alike.
Armani’s influence extended far beyond the runway. He was celebrated for his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, establishing what the Armani Group called “an open dialogue with the public.” His relentless curiosity and keen attention to the present—coupled with a deep sense of responsibility to the community—made him a beloved and respected figure in Milan and beyond. His philanthropic efforts, particularly in support of Milan, were well-documented, and his name became a source of civic pride.
Despite his global fame, Armani remained closely attached to his family. He is survived by his younger sister Rosanna, two nieces, and one nephew. He had no children of his own, but throughout his career, he relied on a circle of family members and loyal confidants to help manage the company. This trusted group is now expected to steer the Armani brand into the future, maintaining the standards and vision that “Re Giorgio” (King Giorgio), as he was affectionately known, established.
Pantaleo Dell’Orco, Armani’s longtime partner, summed up the family’s sentiments in an interview with Corriere della Sera: “We will say goodbye to him as a family and then move forward as he would have wanted. Everything is ready to remember him with his fashion.” The words echo a resolve to celebrate Armani’s life not only through private remembrance but also by continuing the creative journey he began half a century ago.
As the hearse carrying Armani’s coffin departed the Church of San Martino in Rivalta, it marked the end of an era for Italian and international fashion. Yet, the outpouring of grief and admiration—from Hollywood stars and sporting champions to business leaders and ordinary people—underscored the enduring legacy of a man whose vision changed the way the world dresses and sees itself.
Giorgio Armani’s story is one of innovation, resilience, and humanity. His passing leaves a void in the world of design, but the elegance he championed and the values he embodied will continue to inspire for generations to come.
