MILAN (AP) — Thousands of admirers gathered over the weekend to honor Giorgio Armani, remembered by Milan’s mayor as a “man of extraordinary elegance” who left a lasting legacy on the city and the international fashion scene.

Armani passed away on Thursday at 91 at his home in Italy’s fashion hub, surrounded by loved ones and having been active in his work until his final days, as reported by his fashion house. One of his last endeavors was a runway show celebrating 50 years of his renowned Giorgio Armani brand, set to conclude Milan Fashion Week later this month.

In the span of two days, over 15,000 mourners streamed through the Armani theater, usually reserved for showcasing runway collections. The attendees included prominent figures from the realms of fashion, politics, film, and sports—areas with which Armani closely associated himself.

Donatella Versace left a bouquet of white flowers on Saturday, and her brother Santo Versace was in tears Sunday.

Within the theater, where Armani had taken countless bows, his casket was surrounded by rows of candle-lit paper lanterns that created a shimmering ambiance. Soft piano music by Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi played gently in the background, and the fragrance of incense permeated the air.

The closed casket was adorned with a bouquet of long-stem white roses, guarded by ceremonial carabinieri honor guards. An alabaster crucifix sculpture dear to Armani was placed beside it.

Prominent mourners

Among the designers who came to pay their respects were Dean and Dan Caten, the Canadian twins behind the Dsquared2 brand; Rocco Iannone from Ferrari; British designer Neil Barrett; and Italian designer Andrea Incontri.

The world of sport was represented by Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer Federica Pellegrini, retired AC Milan star Paolo Maldini and the president of the Italian Olympic Committee, Giovanni Malagò.

Two former premiers, Mario Monti and Matteo Renzi, paid their respects on Sunday.

Italian film directors Giuseppe Tornatore and Gabriele Salvatores, the composer Einaudi and Italian fashion chamber president Carlo Capasa with his brother, Costume National designer Ennio Capasa also bade Armani farewell.

A remembrance

Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala was among the first to arrive, offering condolences to Leo Dell’Orco, Armani’s longtime collaborator and the head of menswear, who stood near 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.

Armani tributes

Many mourners brought flowers to leave in remembrance, or wore pieces of Armani plucked from their wardrobes. 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.

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

The outpouring by many ordinary Milanese reflected Armani’s close ties to his adopted city.

“Armani is Milan. He was a beautiful person inside who always gave a lot to Milan, in every moment. It is correct to be here to pay homage,’’ said Silvana Proglio. “He was a great person with a capital G.”

Armani and Milan

Milan’s Armani landmarks include his Armani/Teatro show space and the Armani/Silos museum 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 Armani has long occupied a permanent billboard in the city’s Brera district, emblematic of his mastery of visual communication and brand presence.

Final farewells

Armani 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 left a final message for mourners, projected in the theater next to a photo of the designer smiling and waving: “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.”

Following the public mourning, Armani will be buried Monday in a private ceremony in his hometown of Piacenza province, southeast of Milan.