Mourners bid farewell to fashion mogul Armani

Giorgio Armani, the renowned Italian fashion designer, passed away last Thursday at the age of 91. His funeral took place in the church of Rivalta, near his birthplace Piacenza, Italy, in a private ceremony attended by close family, friends, and colleagues.

Over the weekend, thousands paid their respects to Armani as his coffin lay in state at the Armani headquarters in Milan, Italy. Notable figures who attended the public viewing included fashion designer Donatella Versace, Fiat heir John Elkann, and composer Ludovico Einaudi.

The private funeral service was attended by Armani's life and business partner Leo Dell'Orco, his sister, nieces, and nephew, among others. The funeral service was a solemn occasion, with Armani's coffin being brought to the church of Rivalta in the afternoon. Some people gathered along the street and applauded as the procession passed by.

Rivalta was temporarily closed to tourists and visitors before the funeral. The Armani multinational corporation, which operates over 600 boutiques globally, closed all its stores worldwide from 3:00 PM on September 8, 2025, in respect of Armani's lifetime achievements. A sign outside an Armani store in Düsseldorf's Königsallee announced the closure of all group stores on the same day, in memory of the fashion icon.

Armani's funeral service took place in the church of Rivalta, with the attendance of his closest relatives, friends, and employees. The Armani company presumably provided about 20 people to accompany the funeral, including Dell'Orco, Armani's sister, nieces, and nephew.

The Armani store closure was scheduled to last until the end of the day on September 8, 2025, as a mark of respect for the fashion legend. The closure served as a poignant reminder of Armani's significant impact on the fashion industry and his enduring legacy.

Giorgio Armani's passing marks the end of an era in the world of fashion, and his contributions will continue to inspire future generations of designers. His funeral was a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to creating beautiful and timeless pieces that have left an indelible mark on the fashion world.