Thousands of mourners gathered in Milan on Saturday to honor Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian fashion designer, who died Thursday at 91 after months of illness.
His private burial will be held Monday, but the public can pay respects at the Teatro Armani this weekend.
At 9:00 a.m., crowds lined up outside the venue, guided by Armani staff dressed in black. Inside, a wooden coffin, topped with white flowers, rested in a dimly lit room surrounded by paper lanterns.
“Every fashion show he did was magic. No one made women shine like Armani,” said Pietro Angeleri, a 20-year-old fashion student.
Giorgio Armani died just weeks before Milan Fashion Week, where his brand planned to mark its 50th anniversary. Born in Piacenza, he studied medicine before moving into fashion as a window dresser. By 1975, he had launched his label, which grew into a global empire.
He dressed Hollywood stars, royals, and pop icons, pioneering red-carpet fashion after opening a Los Angeles office in 1983. Armani later expanded into hotels, perfumes, and interior design.
Without children, Armani leaves his empire’s future uncertain. His partner Pantaleo Dell’Orco, nephew Andrea Camerana, and nieces Roberta and Silvana now help steer the brand. His family and staff pledged to “protect what he built.”
The Teatro Armani, once a Nestlé factory, remains open for viewing through Sunday. Milan has declared a day of mourning on the day of his funeral.
