Former staff of Giorgio Armani’s fashion empire joined mourners from business, sports, and politics to honor the late designer, who passed away Thursday at age 91. Armani’s death sparked widespread grief internationally, with tributes pouring in from Hollywood celebrities and the public.
Ornella Gagliolo, a retired former employee, said, “We are retired former employees and it was our duty and it was obvious that we would come here because it was a great privilege and honor to work for him. For all of us, he was like a father, that I can tell you.”
Armani’s wooden casket, adorned with white roses, was displayed over the weekend at a large exhibition space at his company’s Milan headquarters, surrounded by dozens of small lanterns on the floor.
