Farewell honored as designer Armani departs from the world of fashion

In a remarkable show of respect, all Armani stores worldwide closed their doors on September 8, 2025, in memory of the late Italian fashion designer, Giorgio Armani.

The iconic designer, known for his timeless elegance and revolutionary impact on the fashion industry, passed away last Thursday at the age of 91. His funeral service was held in the small town of Rivalta, near his birthplace Piacenza, in northern Italy.

Thousands of people paid their respects to Armani over the weekend, as his coffin lay in state at the Armani corporate headquarters in Milan. The funeral service was a private event attended by close family members, friends, and colleagues, including his life and business partner Leo Dell'Orco, his sister, nieces, nephew, and others. Notable attendees included fellow fashion designer Donatella Versace, Fiat heir John Elkann, and composer Ludovico Einaudi.

The funeral service took place in the afternoon in Rivalta, with the coffin being brought to the church in the afternoon. The streets of Rivalta were closed to tourists and visitors several hours before the funeral, and people gathered along the street, applauding as the coffin was brought to the church. Some also paid their respects along the street, with many standing in silence, their hearts heavy with sorrow.

In a poignant gesture, Armani stores across the globe closed from 3:00 PM onwards, marking a global moment of silence in honour of Armani's lifetime achievements. A sign outside an Armani store in Düsseldorf's Königsallee read, "In memory of Mr. Armani, all group stores will be closed today, September 8, 2025, from 3:00 PM until the end of the day."

Despite extensive searches, there is no publicly available information about any world-leading persons or institutions supporting this global closure. However, the outpouring of condolences from figures in fashion and entertainment, and the widespread closure of Armani stores, serve as testament to the profound impact Armani had on the world of fashion and beyond.

As the world mourns the loss of a true fashion visionary, Armani's legacy lives on, inspiring generations of designers and fashion enthusiasts alike. His timeless designs and innovative spirit will continue to shape the fashion industry for years to come.