Goodbye to Giorgio Armani, Fashion Loses Its King
Giorgio Armani, affectionately known as “King Giorgio,” has passed away, leaving behind a legacy as a proudly independent force and a symbol of Italian excellence. The designer’s influence spanned decades, marked by recognition including covers on Time magazine, success in hollywood, globally celebrated “One Night Only” events, and the honor of being appointed Knight of the grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic by President Mattarella. Throughout his 50-year career, Armani remained dedicated to his ethics of passion and unwavering commitment.
A chamber for final farewells will be open at the Armani/theater in Milan, located at via Bergognone 59, from Saturday, September 6th to Sunday, September 7th, between the hours of 9:00 and 18:00. The funeral will be held privately, as per Armani’s express wishes.
Armani often reflected on pivotal moments in his life, including the loss of his partner and companion, Sergio Galeotti, in 1985 - ten years after they founded Giorgio armani together. he recalled the challenges of his early career, arriving in Milan from Piacenza and even selling his Volkswagen Beetle to fund the business, admitting to initial fears of inadequacy. “Slowly,” he once shared, “I took the strength and courage to wont to be someone in this adventure.”
He undeniably achieved that ambition, leaving an indelible mark not just on style, but on a broader vision of fashion. Armani described his “revolution” as “subtle and whispered, but heavy,” challenging established norms by introducing low-heeled evening dresses, softening jacket structures, and envisioning women dressing in traditionally masculine styles.
Even in his later years, Armani remained tirelessly involved in his work.Following a recent hospitalization in Milan,he was unable to appear on the catwalk at the conclusion of the latest male fashion shows,but affirmed his continued oversight of all creative decisions,including personally curating the exhibition celebrating the 20th anniversary of his Privé line at the Silos.
Armani’s designs graced the wardrobes of icons like Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio, and he shared moments with legends like Sophia Loren. He was, above all, a gentleman, and this embodied his lasting style lesson: to relentlessly pursue dreams with passion and dedication, remaining true to oneself and one’s values. A final, romantic gesture saw him recently acquire La Capannina of Forte dei Marmi, a location where he frist met Galeotti in the 1960s.
Following his passing, the city of Milan has declared a period of mourning. Tributes have poured in from the “Star System” – including Julia Roberts, Anne Hathaway, and Claudia Cardinale - as well as from the worlds of politics, business, and sport. President Sergio Mattarella hailed Armani as a “master of style and fashion and symbol of Italian genius in the world.” Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described him as “an icon,a tireless worker,a symbol of better Italy.” Vice Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio tajani recognized him as a “Made in Italy ambassador in the world,” while Democratic Party Secretary Elly Schlein stated that Giorgio Armani “indelibly marked the history of fashion.With his elegance he contributed to defining the image of Italy in the world.”
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