Thousands of devoted fans and celebrities gathered on Saturday to pay their final respects to Giorgio Armani, hailed by Milan’s mayor as a “man of extraordinary elegance” who made an unforgettable impact on the city and international fashion industry. Armani passed away on Thursday aged 91 at his residence in Italy’s fashion capital, surrounded by family and friends. His fashion empire confirmed he continued working until his final days.
Among his last endeavours was a catwalk presentation celebrating five decades of his iconic Giorgio Armani label, scheduled to conclude Milan Fashion Week later this month. Donatella Versace offered her condolences at the theatre where Armani routinely presented his ready-to-wear collections, placing a bouquet of white blooms.
Notable attendees included Italian filmmakers Giuseppe Tornatore and Gabriele Salvatores, Italian Olympic Committee president Giovanni Malagò, and Italian fashion chamber chief Carlo Capasa alongside his sibling, Costume National designer Ennio Capasa.
The aroma of incense permeated the theatre where Armani’s coffin rested amongst rows of illuminated paper lanterns creating a glimmering atmosphere while piano compositions by Italian maestro Ludovico Einaudi played gently in the background.
The sealed casket was decorated with a spray of long-stemmed white roses and guarded by carabinieri honour guards in ceremonial uniform.
“Armani is Milan. He was a beautiful person inside who always gave a lot to Milan, in every moment. It is correct to be here to pay homage,” said Silvana Proglio. “He was a great person with a capital G. “
Milan is home to several Armani landmarks, including his Armani/Teatro show space and the Armani/Silos museum – an exhibition hub in the city’s design district – as well as his residence, historic offices in the city centre, and his flagship stores and hotel.
He was also a significant patron of cultural institutions, such as Milan’s Teatro alla Scala, and owned the Olympia Milan basketball team. A prominent permanent Emporio Armani billboard welcomes passengers at Milan’s Linate Airport, and the brand has long held a permanent billboard in the city’s Brera district, symbolic of Armani’s innovative approach to communications.
Armani, one of the most recognisable names and faces in the global fashion industry, missed Milan Fashion Week in June 2025 for the first time during the previews of Spring-Summer 2026 menswear due to recovery from an undisclosed condition.
Tributes have flooded in from friends and admirers around the globe, including Ralph Lauren, Julia Roberts, Anna Wintour and Leonardo DiCaprio. Armani left a final message for mourners, projected in the theatre next to a photo of the designer smiling and waving.
