Funeral Preparations Underway For Giorgio Armani As Milan Enters Day Of Mourning
MILAN—In a final tribute to one of its greatest citizens, Milan is preparing for a private funeral to honor the late fashion titan Giorgio Armani, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 91. The city's Mayor, Giuseppe Sala, has declared a day of mourning, with all Armani shops in Italy closing their doors for the afternoon as a mark of respect. The funeral is scheduled for today, Monday, in the village of Rivalta, a location chosen in keeping with Armani's wishes to be buried near his mother. Security has been tightened to ensure the privacy of the ceremony for family and close friends.
Thousands Mourn 'King George' at Public Wake
The solemn final rites follow a weekend of immense public outpouring, as thousands of admirers, industry peers, and ordinary Milanese queued for hours to pay their respects at a public viewing held at the Armani/Teatro. The wake transformed the brand's headquarters into a dignified and quiet memorial, where Armani's closed casket was flanked by honor guards. The air was filled with the soft, melancholic strains of piano music by Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi, creating an atmosphere of deep reflection.
A message from the designer, projected on a wall, offered his final words to mourners: "The mark I hope to leave is one of commitment, respect and genuine care for people and for reality. That's where everything truly begins."
Notable Figures Pay Their Final Respects
The two-day wake drew a list of high-profile visitors who came to offer their condolences and bid farewell to the man known as "King George" (Re Giorgio). Among the most notable attendees were:
Donatella Versace: The head of the rival fashion house arrived dressed in black and left a bouquet of white flowers as a tribute.
Giuseppe Sala: Milan's Mayor was among the first to pay his respects, speaking of Armani as a "man of extraordinary elegance" and a true friend to the city.
John Elkann: The scion of the influential Agnelli family and chairman of Ferrari, whose presence underscored Armani's deep connections to Italian business and culture.
Gabriele Salvatores and Giuseppe Tornatore: Two of Italy's most celebrated film directors were seen at the wake, a testament to Armani's long-standing relationship with cinema.
Carlo Capasa: The president of the Italian fashion chamber, accompanied by his designer brother, Ennio Capasa.
Giovanni Malagò: President of the Italian Olympic Committee, acknowledging Armani's contributions as the official designer of Italy's Olympic uniforms.
Valeria Mazza: The Argentine model and TV host, who had a close relationship with the designer.
The public and private tributes reflect the vast legacy of Giorgio Armani, whose influence extended far beyond the runway into film, sport, and a definition of understated elegance that became a global fashion grammar.
