MILAN – On Saturday, countless enthusiasts and notable figures gathered to say their final farewells to Giorgio Armani. Milan’s mayor described him as a “man of extraordinary elegance” whose influence was profound both in the city and the fashion industry worldwide.

At the age of 91, Armani passed away on Thursday at his Milan residence, surrounded by family. Despite his age, he continued working until his final moments. One of his last undertakings was preparing a runway event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Giorgio Armani label, slated to conclude Milan Fashion Week later this month.

The Armani Theater, the venue for many of his fashion shows, saw mourners coming in to pay their respects. Candles in paper bags created a soft glow, accompanied by the gentle piano music of Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi. The atmosphere was somber around the closed coffin, graced with a bouquet of long-stem white roses and watched over by ceremonial honor guards.

Donatella Versace was among those in attendance, dressed in a dark skirt suit and carrying white flowers as a tribute. She chose not to make any public statements before departing.

A sculpture featuring a crucifix on a raw block of marble stood nearby, brought from Armani’s bedside.

Known for his private nature, Armani wasn’t widely recognized as a practicing Catholic, though a priest noted that he did attend Mass daily.

Milan’s Mayor, Giuseppe Sala, was present early to extend his sympathies to Leo Dell’Orco, Armani’s longtime associate and the head of the menswear division, who stood vigil by the coffin.

“A man of extraordinary elegance,’’ Sala told reporters outside. “Milan is full of signs of Armani. It will be impossible to forget him.”

Sala remembered a phone call from Armani in early August, when news of a corruption scandal in the city broke.

“He said, ‘I understand this is a difficult moment. There is always something positive in difficult moments. True friends show themselves. I am your true friend.’ This I will always remember,’’ Sala said.

Annamaria Longo Dorni traveled more than two hours from Lago Maggiore, north of Milan, to pay her last respects wearing an Armani midnight blue jacket for the occasion.

“You put it on, and you’re perfect,’’ she said in tribute. “It’s always up to date, even after 20 years.’’

Two hours after the doors opened, the line of mourners stretched down the block.

The public viewing will continue through Sunday. Armani will be buried following a private funeral, details of which remain private.

Milan is home to numerous Armani landmarks, including his theater and the Armani/Silos museum — an exhibition space in the heart of the city’s design district — as well as his residence and historic offices in the city center, and his flagship stores and hotel.

He was also a major supporter of cultural institutions, like Milan’s Teatro alla Scala, and owned the Olympia Milan basketball team.

A prominent permanent Emporio Armani billboard greets passengers arriving at Milan’s Linate Airport, and the brand has long occupied a permanent billboard in Milan’s Brera district, emblematic of Armani’s game-changing approach to communications.

Armani, one of the most recognizable names and faces in the global fashion industry, missed Milan Fashion Week in June 2025 for the first time during the previews of Spring-Summer 2026 menswear to recover from an undisclosed condition.

Condolences have poured in from friends and admirers around the world, including Ralph Lauren, Julia Roberts, Anna Wintour and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Armani prepared a final farewell for mourners. A photo of the designer smiling and waving was projected on the back wall of the viewing chamber with the parting words: “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.”