Bidding adieu to Giorgio Armani: Two-day public display honors iconic fashion designer in Milan
Giorgio Armani, a towering figure in the world of fashion, has passed away at the age of 91. The news of his death was confirmed on Thursday, and since then, tributes have been pouring in from the fashion industry and Hollywood.
Armani's long-standing problems with his liver returned after his 91st birthday on July 11. According to Italy's Corriere della Sera newspaper, his death was due to liver failure.
Hundreds of people have queued up for the two-day public viewing of Armani's coffin, which is currently on display at the Teatro Armani, the company's headquarters. The public viewing will last all day Saturday and all day Sunday. Among the first mourners were Armani group staff, all in black mourning wear and black sunglasses.
Armani's coffin is lit by paper candles and an image of the designer. The Teatro Armani was transformed on Armani's request in 2001 into the company's headquarters, where Armani showcased his creations.
Armani kept top-to-bottom control of his company as it expanded into luxury hotels, cosmetics, accessories, and interiors. When he died, Armani was one of the richest men in the world, with a net worth estimated at US$11.8 billion.
Pantaleo Dell'Orco, with whom Armani had a very close relationship, heads the men's style office and took bows in Armani's place at the fashion shows this year. Armani's family and employees have committed to "protecting what he built" and carrying his company forward in his memory.
Armani's possible heirs are his sister Rosanna, two nieces, one nephew (all involved in the company), his longtime employee Leo Dell'Orco, and a foundation. Armani's will stipulates a gradual sale of the company or alternatively an IPO, with priority given to buyers like LVMH, L'Oreal, EssilorLuxottica, or other business partners.
Armani was credited with inventing red-carpet fashion after opening an office in Los Angeles in 1983. His influence on the fashion industry was profound, and his designs were worn by countless celebrities on the red carpet.
The city of Milan has declared the day of Armani's funeral a day of mourning. Crowds have been filing past the closed casket to pay their respects to the fashion legend.
As the world mourns the loss of Giorgio Armani, his legacy will continue to live on in the fashion industry and beyond.
