Giorgio Armani remembered as 'King Giorgio' in Milan tribute

Hundreds of people entered the funeral chamber set up in the Armani Theatre in Milan from 9 am on Saturday for the final farewell to Giorgio Armani, who passed away at the age of 91 on Thursday. Many were in the queue from seven in the morning.

For the Italian designer who revolutionised the Italian and international fashion world and became a symbol of 'Made in Italy', messages of condolence arrived from all over the world, not only from the fashion world, but also from politics, business and sport. Marking the extent to which Armani influenced entire generations and succeeded in taking Italian excellence beyond national borders.

Remembered by the mayor of Milan, Beppe Sala, as a "man of extraordinary elegance" who left an indelible mark on the city and the global fashion world, the Piacenza-born designer worked right up to the end on his latest project, the fashion show celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of his Giorgio Armani brand, which will close Milan Fashion Week at the end of September.

In the theatre hall, where Armani's ready-to-wear collections are usually presented, rows of candles in paper bags cast a flickering light and music by the Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi played softly in the background to accompany people towards the coffin, adorned with a bouquet of long-stemmed white roses and flanked by a guard of honour of the Carabinieri in full uniform. In the background, a photo of Giorgio Armani accompanied by a thought from the designer.

"The mark I hope to leave is one of commitment, respect and attention to people and reality. That is where it all begins," Armani wrote.

Along with ordinary people, Armani's designer and long-time friend Donatella Versace, who wore a black suit and carried a bouquet of white flowers, which she left as a sign of homage, also arrived at the funeral chamber, as did fashion designers Ennio Capasa and Alessandro Enriquez.

Also present were former Milan mayors Letizia Moratti and Gabriele Albertini, prefect Claudio Sgaraglia and councillors Tommaso Sacchi and Alessia Cappello. And then the current President of Camera Moda, Carlo Capasa, and former Mario Boselli, actors Beppe Fiorello and Alessandro Preziosi, singer Alexia, who is the wife of Andrea Camerana, Armani's nephew. Plus directors Gabriele Salvatores and Giuseppe Tornatore.

The funeral chamber will remain open until Sunday. Armani will be buried after a private funeral, details of which have not been released.

Milan will still remember Armani at the fashion show on 28 September at Palazzo Brera, which was supposed to be the event to celebrate the maison's 50th anniversary, and will now become the occasion to celebrate the enormous work of "King Giorgio".