Giorgio Armani dead: Thousands expected to pay respects to Italian designer

Italy is preparing to bid farewell to Giorgio Armani, the visionary designer whose name became synonymous with elegance, innovation, and timeless style. The fashion pioneer passed away at the age of 91, and thousands of mourners—from industry leaders to devoted admirers—are expected to gather on Saturday to honor his extraordinary legacy.

A Life Shaped by Reinvention

Born in the northern Italian town of Piacenza, Armani’s journey to becoming one of fashion’s most influential figures was far from linear. Initially enrolled in medical school, he abandoned the path of medicine to pursue a creative career. His early years as a window dresser in a Milan department store exposed him to the power of aesthetics, sparking the passion that would define his life’s work.

By 1973, Armani had established his own design studio in Milan, and just two years later, he launched his first collection under his own name. His clean lines, fluid tailoring, and understated sophistication quickly captured international attention. Milan embraced Armani as one of its own, and in tribute, the city has declared the day of his funeral a day of mourning.

Redefining Global Fashion

Armani’s influence extended far beyond Italy. In 1983, he opened a Los Angeles office, pioneering the concept of red-carpet fashion and becoming a trusted name among Hollywood’s elite. Cinema, he often said, was one of his greatest inspirations, and he used it as a platform to merge glamour with accessibility.

From that foundation, Armani built a vast empire. He expanded into haute couture, fragrances, interior design, luxury hotels, and even gourmet products like chocolate, all while maintaining meticulous control over his brand’s identity. Unlike many designers who handed off creative duties, Armani remained deeply involved, cultivating a loyal team that he often described as his second family.

The Future of the Armani Legacy

Armani never married and had no children, raising questions about the long-term direction of his fashion empire. His closest relatives—including nieces Roberta and Silvana Armani, who hold key roles within the company, and nephew Andrea Camerana, a board member—are expected to play important roles in guiding the brand forward.

Another pivotal figure is Pantaleo Dell’Orco, head of Armani’s menswear design office and one of his closest confidants. Dell’Orco has already stepped into the spotlight, taking final bows at fashion shows in Armani’s place earlier this year.

In a heartfelt statement, Armani’s family and employees pledged “to protect what he built and to carry his company forward in his memory,” underscoring their commitment to preserving the values and vision that defined his five-decade career.

An Enduring Influence

Armani’s passing comes just weeks before Milan Fashion Week was set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his house—a milestone that now doubles as a remembrance of a man who shaped modern luxury. As one mourner in Milan reflected, “The city has lost a piece of its history.”

From revolutionizing menswear with relaxed tailoring to inventing the very concept of red-carpet fashion, Giorgio Armani leaves behind more than a brand. He leaves a cultural legacy that will continue to inspire designers, artists, and fashion lovers around the globe for generations to come.