Milan — Giorgio Armani passed away peacefully, surrounded by his closest family and friends. The news comes just one day after the presentation of Armani/Archivio – a living legacy, rooted in the present and looking towards the future and a week after the acquisition of La Capannina di Franceschi in Forte dei Marmi. Like a bolt from the blue, the announcement came directly from his official LinkedIn profile.
The Group’s Tribute
The statement from the Armani Group describes a man who continued working until his final days alongside his team on collections and ongoing projects. Those who knew him speak of practical clarity and a focus on the present: a methodical approach rather than an image. Family members and collaborators said the company will continue guided by the values that defined his path.
Armani/Archivio: The Project Launched the Day Before
The day before his passing, Armani/Archivio was unveiled, a heritage initiative bringing together garments, images, and materials spanning five decades. A curated selection is available on archivio.armani.com; the original pieces will be displayed exclusively at the flagship stores in Venice, Milan, Paris, London, Los Angeles, New York, Beijing, and Tokyo.
La Capannina: A Recent Connection with Forte dei Marmi
Seven days earlier, Armani had acquired La Capannina di Franceschi, the venue founded in 1929 by Achille Franceschi. For the designer, Forte dei Marmi was never just a holiday destination: it was a place of memories. The acquisition is seen as a move to safeguard a piece of Italian nightlife history.
Viewing and Funeral Details
The viewing will be held from September 6 to 7 at Via Bergognone 59, inside the Armani/Teatro; visiting hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. These are the days set aside for paying a final tribute. The funeral will be private, according to the President’s explicit wishes. The family has requested respect and discretion: no public ceremonies are planned beyond the announced viewing.
His Legacy in the Work
Over fifty years, Armani shaped a style that touched many areas of daily life: from professional wardrobes to choices of proportion and measure adopted by many. His defining trait was independence — not only as a business choice but as a way of approaching creative work. This will remain the guiding principle for those continuing to lead the company.
Glossary
- Armani/Archivio: a project that collects and highlights the creative history of the maison through garments, images, and inspirations spanning the past fifty years.
- La Capannina di Franceschi: historic venue in Forte dei Marmi, founded in 1929 by Achille Franceschi, symbol of Italian nightlife.
- Viewing: space set up for the public tribute to the deceased before the funeral.
