Thousands Honor Giorgio Armani at Emotional Farewell in Milan

The fashion world and admirers from across Italy gathered in Milan to pay their respects to renowned designer Giorgio Armani, who passed away at the age of 91 on Thursday. A funeral chamber was established at the Armani Theatre, where over 15,000 people visited over the weekend to honor the legacy of the iconic fashion figure.

Armani’s private funeral is scheduled for Monday, March 15, 2024, in Rivalta di Gazzola, located in the province of Piacenza. The ceremony will take place in the family chapel, where he will be laid to rest alongside his mother, Maria, father, Ugo, and brother, Sergio.

On Saturday alone, more than 6,000 individuals lined up to enter the theatre, which was adorned with candles and white roses. The guest list included prominent figures such as Milan’s mayor and fashion designer Donatella Versace. The outpouring of love continued on Sunday, with queues forming as early as 07:00 to pay tribute to a man many regarded as an icon of elegance and style.

A diverse assembly of attendees included fellow fashion designers such as Luisa Lusardi of Max Mara, Santo Versace, and Dean and Dan Caten of Dsquared2. Political figures were also present, including the president of Lombardy, Attilio Fontana, who praised Armani as “a Lombard excellence, a genius and a great entrepreneur.”

Among the mourners were Anna Maria Bernini, the Minister of University and Research, and entrepreneur Aurelio De Laurentiis, who noted Armani’s influence in sports fashion, particularly through his EA7 brand associated with Napoli’s football uniforms.

Local residents expressed their admiration for Armani, reflecting on his impact as both a designer and a person. “He always stood out for his elegance, his style, and, above all, his simplicity,” said Christian Moncada, a Milan resident. “He should be an example for all of us, a reminder of the incredible ability to be great in his simplicity.”

Another attendee, Alfonso Di Gennaro, traveled from Turin to pay his respects. He shared a personal connection, recalling how he once had Armani sign his wife’s arm, which he subsequently had tattooed. “What could be better? So it’s only right to come here and say goodbye to him. He really deserves it,” he said.

The village of Rivalta will be secured for the funeral, with many locals preparing to pay tribute to a man who frequently visited the area to honor his family’s resting place and enjoy local delicacies.

Milan will have another opportunity to celebrate “King Giorgio” on September 28, 2024, during a fashion show marking the 50th anniversary of the Armani brand, set to take place at the prestigious Palazzo Brera. This event is expected to draw significant attention as the fashion community continues to acknowledge the profound influence of Giorgio Armani on the industry.