Crowds offer a quiet goodbye to Giorgio Armani in Milan
Giorgio Armani, Italy's most revered fashion designer, passed away this week at the age of 91. His wooden casket lies in a vast dark exhibition space at his company's headquarters, surrounded by dozens of small lanterns.
Thousands of mourners have visited Milan's fashion district to pay their respects, queuing silently under the trees near Armani's offices, designed by Tadao Ando. Among the first visitors were John Elkann, the scion of Italy's prominent Agnelli family, and his wife Lavinia.
Donatella Versace, Gabriele Salvatores, and Maria Grazia Cucinotta were among the many who paid their respects, joining a long line of visitors that also included Jonah Liu, a visitor from China. Liu stated that Armani's name is synonymous with Italian style in his hometown, and turned Italian elegance into a global fashion grammar.
Armani's body is lying in state over the weekend before a private funeral on Monday, September 8. White roses were placed on his casket.
Sala, Milan's Mayor, expressed that it is impossible to forget Giorgio Armani in the city. He visited early, and Milan's fashion capital will hold a day of public mourning on Monday.
Armani built a business empire spanning five decades, ranging from haute couture to home furnishing. He had no children, but has put in place measures to ensure continuity and independence for his business.
Alessandra Caccavo, an Armani employee, expressed her sincere attachment to Armani and spoke of his exceptional hospitality and care for his employees. Tributes have been flowing in for Armani from Hollywood celebrities and ordinary people alike.
Negotiations between Giorgio Armani's company and Exor, the investment vehicle of the Agnelli family, were initiated by Exor. A separate entry was reserved for Armani's group staff, in accordance with Armani's wishes.
The Armani/Silos, a museum marking 40 years of Armani's career, is currently displaying Armani Prive haute couture collections. Liu believes that Armani's biggest legacy to Milan is his profound belief in work as a means of self-realization.
Sala believes that Armani's legacy will live on, not just in the fashion industry, but in the city of Milan itself.
