Donatella Versace's sombre figure as she pays respect to Giorgio Armani

Donatella Versace was seen joining mourners paying tribute to Giorgio Armani in Milan following his death. Dressed all in black, hiding her eyes behind large dark sunglasses, Donatella, 70, looked sombre as she paid her respects to her peer, who is currently lying in state in the Italian city he called home. Giorgio died on Thursday at the age of 91 at his home after a long illness.

Donatella wore a black skirt suit and carried a bouquet of white flowers which she lay outside the Armani Theatre, where Giorgio would regularly showcase his ready-to-wear runway collections. The designer bowed her head and displayed her grief having paid her respects before she got back into her waiting car.

Thousands have paid their respects to Giorgio today, including Milan Mayor, Giuseppe Sala, film directors Gabriele Salvatores and Giuseppe Tornatore, and VIPs from the world of fashion. While Donatella and Giorgio were often seen as rivals in the industry she was one of the first to pay her respects to him after the announcement of his death on social media.

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She wrote on Thursday, "The world lost a giant today. He made history and will be remembered forever." The public viewing of Giorgio's coffin will continue until Sunday. He will then be buried in a private funeral.

His closed coffin is adorned with a bouquet of long-stem white roses, flanked by carabinieri honour guards in ceremonial dress. Rows of candles in paper bags decorate the area, and piano music by Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi plays softly in the background.

A sculpture brought from Giorgio's bedside of a crucifix on a raw block of marble is also nearby. The Armani Group announced Giorgio's death with a series of tributes on Instagram as they were plunged into mourning for their founder.

A statement posted in Italian on Armani's Instagram page read, "Milan, 4 September 2025 – With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani.

"Il Signor Armani, as he was always respectfully and admiringly called by employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and the many ongoing and future projects.

"Over the years, Giorgio Armani has crafted a vision that expanded from fashion to every aspect of life, anticipating the times with extraordinary clarity and pragmatism. He has been driven by relentless curiosity and a deep attention to the present and to people. Along this journey, he established an open dialogue with the public, becoming a beloved and respected figure for his ability to connect with everyone. Always mindful of the needs of the community, he has been active on many fronts, especially in support of his beloved Milan.

"Giorgio Armani is a company with fifty years of history, built with emotion and patience. Giorgio Armani always made independence of thought and action his hallmark. The company is, now and always, a reflection of this spirit. His family and employees will carry the Group forward in respect and continuity of these values."

It concluded, "The funeral chamber will be set up from Saturday, September 6th to Sunday, September 7th, and will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., in Milan, at Via Bergognone 59, inside the Armani/Teatro. In accordance with Mr. Armani’s explicit wishes, the funeral will be held privately."

A separate Instagram slide read, "In this company, we have always felt like part of a family. Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion and dedication.

"But, it is precisely in his spirit that we, the employees and the family members who have always worked alongside Mr Armani, commit to protecting what he built and to carrying his company forward in his memory, with respect, responsibility and love. His employees and family."

A quote from Giorgio shared to the Armani Instagram accounts read, "The mark I hope to leave is one of commitment, respect, and genuine care for people and for reality. That's where everything truly begins."

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