URGENT UPDATE: Thousands of mourners are paying their respects to Italian fashion icon Giorgio Armani, who passed away on July 13, 2023, at the age of 91. His coffin is currently on public display at the Teatro Armani in Milan, marking a poignant farewell to a designer who transformed the fashion industry.
The public viewing began earlier today and will continue throughout the weekend, with many lined up to honor the man who created a lasting legacy in fashion and luxury. Among the prominent figures in attendance is fellow designer Donatella Versace, who joined hundreds of fans and industry peers to pay tribute to Armani at the headquarters of his multi-billion-euro lifestyle brand.
Armani’s closed casket, adorned with a stunning bouquet of white roses, is being displayed in a dimly lit room, illuminated by flickering paper candles. A large image of the legendary designer is projected on a screen, inviting a wave of emotional tributes. “It’s so emotional,” said Silvia Albonetti, an Emporio Armani saleswoman. “He was an incredible man… sometimes curt, but human.”
The cause of Armani’s death has not been officially confirmed, but reports from Corriere della Sera indicate he had been struggling with liver failure and had been hospitalized for viral bronchopneumonia earlier this year. Even as his health declined, Armani remained dedicated to his work, finalizing outfits for a show celebrating the 50th anniversary of his brand, which will now be seen as his final farewell.
As a testament to his influence, tributes have poured in from both the fashion world and Hollywood, where his exquisitely tailored creations were a staple on the red carpet. Notable mourners also included John Elkann, chairman of Ferrari, who paid his respects alongside Armani’s partner, Pantaleo Dell’Orco.
Armani’s impact on fashion is immeasurable. He redefined red-carpet fashion and created a style that resonated with A-list celebrities. “Every fashion show was pure magic,” said Pietro Angeleri, a 20-year-old fashion student. “No one has managed to make women stand out like he did. He will be missed.”
Milan has declared the day of his funeral, scheduled for Monday, July 17, 2023, a day of mourning. The city adopted Armani as one of its own, reflecting the deep connection he forged with the locale. “He represented our city,” said Fanny Bucci, a local resident who visited the coffin. “It’s the end of an era.”
As the public viewing continues, the future of Armani’s empire hangs in the balance. With no children, the question remains about who will lead the brand forward. In his last interview, Armani named Dell’Orco and his nieces, Roberta and Silvana Armani, as key figures in the company’s future leadership. His family has pledged to uphold his legacy, stating their commitment “to protecting what he built.”
The emotional farewell to Giorgio Armani is not just a moment for the fashion community; it is a significant event for fans worldwide. The public viewing at the Teatro, a former chocolate factory turned fashion showcase, will last all day today and tomorrow, allowing fans and admirers to pay their last respects to a true legend of style.
Stay tuned for more developments as the fashion world continues to mourn the loss of this remarkable visionary.
