A City Mourns the Legacy of a Fashion Icon

Thousands of admirers gathered in Milan to pay their final respects to Giorgio Armani, the legendary fashion designer who passed away at the age of 91. Known for his extraordinary elegance and indelible mark on the global fashion world, Armani was remembered by Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, as a “man of extraordinary elegance” whose presence shaped the city and its cultural landscape.

Armani’s passing came just weeks before the 50th anniversary celebration of his signature brand, which was set to close Milan Fashion Week later this month. Despite his absence, his legacy was felt throughout the city, with over 15,000 mourners visiting his theater, where his casket was placed amid candle-lit paper lanterns and soft piano music by Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi. The atmosphere was filled with the scent of incense and the quiet dignity of a man whose work had defined modern fashion for decades.

Prominent figures from fashion, politics, sports, and entertainment attended the event, including Donatella Versace, who left a bouquet of white flowers, and her brother Santo Versace, who was seen in tears. Former Italian premiers Mario Monti and Matteo Renzi, Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer Federica Pellegrini, and retired AC Milan star Paolo Maldini were among the many who paid their respects. The event also drew notable designers such as Dean and Dan Caten of Dsquared2, British designer Neil Barrett, and Italian designer Andrea Incontri.

The outpouring of grief from the public reflected Armani’s deep connection to Milan, a city he considered his home. Many mourners traveled long distances to attend the event, some wearing Armani pieces from their wardrobes as a tribute. Annamaria Longo Dorni, who journeyed over two hours from Lago Maggiore, wore an Armani midnight blue jacket, saying, “You put it on, and you’re perfect. It’s always up to date, even after 20 years.”

Armani’s influence extended far beyond fashion. He was a major supporter of cultural institutions such as Milan’s Teatro alla Scala and owned the Olympia Milan basketball team. His presence in the city was omnipresent, from the Armani/Silos museum in the design district to the Emporio Armani billboard at Milan’s Linate Airport, which greeted arriving passengers.

Armani had missed Milan Fashion Week in June 2025 for the first time during the previews of Spring-Summer 2026 menswear to recover from an undisclosed condition. His absence was deeply felt, but his legacy continued to resonate.

Condolences poured in from around the world, including from figures such as Ralph Lauren, Julia Roberts, Anna Wintour, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Armani left a final message for mourners, projected in the theater next to a photo of the designer smiling and waving: “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.”

Following the public mourning, Armani will be buried Monday in a private ceremony in his hometown of Piacenza province, southeast of Milan. His passing marks the end of an era, but his influence on fashion, culture, and the city of Milan will endure for generations to come.