Comotion And uncertainty. These are the two dominant feelings in the fashion industry since last Thursday, the day of disappearance Of Giorgio Armaniat the age of 91. After the heartfelt farewell of the city of Milan and the funeral a Rivaltain the Piacentino, the questions and dilemmas on theLegity of Armanion the succession and future of the famous Maison.
As usual, however, King Giorgio He left nothing to chance. On the contrary, it was the stylist symbol of Made in Italy in the world who recently spoke of a “gradual transition»Of power. In short, Armani’s legacy can be traced in the words of the same entrepreneur who in the past had declared: «For the succession I think the best solution would be a group of people trustclose to me and chosen by me ». From partner to grandchildren, what is hidden in the future of the Armani maison.
The burning room and the funeral
On Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September they were beyond 16 thousand the people who wanted to pay homage to the room ardent organized for Giorgio Armani. AtArmani/Theater of via Bergognone, a Milanin fact, there has been an uninterrupted succession of well -known faces, employees, colleagues, actors, sportsmen and most of all, of ordinary people, eager to express their affection and their gratitude for the disappeared stylist.
People in a row out of the burning room of Giorgio Armani (Photo by Piero Cruciatti / AFP)
While the capital of Italian fashion proclaims the mourning citizenon the afternoon of Monday 8 September the funeral of Armani a Rivaltacountry of origin of the family, in the Piacentino. As per request from the designer, it will be an intimate and private ceremony with about twenty participants. Subsequently, Armani will be buried in the family chapel, next to his parents and his beloved brother. In addition, all the stores of the maison and the site they will remain closed.
Armani inheritance: what happens now
Until his disappearance, Giorgio Armani still covered the roles of administrator delegate, president, creative director and unique shareholder of the group that bears its name. Not surprisingly, it was the same designer and entrepreneur who declared: “As long as I live, I will be the master». The company, which has over 600 shops and 8 thousand employees, boasts an annual turnover of approximately 2.3 billion euros. There Foundation Armaniborn almost ten years ago, holds the 0.1% of the group, while the remaining 99.9% was under Armani’s control. The heritage of King Giorgio, finally, is estimated around 12 billion euros. In short, these are impressive numbers, especially for a brand that in fifty years of life has managed to stay independentalways resisting the flattery and offers of large luxury groups.
Giorgio Armani together with the right arm and companion Leo dell’Orco at the end of a parade, in 2021 (Photo by Miguel Medina / AFP)
So who will take the reins of the maison? From the point of view of collectionsthe division will be natural and far from radical. Pantaleo, called Leo, dell’Orcoalready head of the male style office, right arm e company by Giorgio Armani, he will take care of the men’s line. Silvana Armaninephew of King Giorgio, on the other hand, will draw the women’s collections. Among the heirs of the Italian stylist, therefore, they stand out Silvana And Roberta Armanidaughters of his brother Sergio, who passed away many years ago; Andrea Cameranason of his sister Rosanna and already part of the Board of Directors, as well as Federico Marchettifounder of Yoox. In any case, it will be the figure of Dell’Orco to act as cardinal in stylistic and managerial management.
A planned future
Although for reading the will You will have to wait a few weeks, a certain data already emerges. It will be that Armani Foundation to guarantee the group’s structure, as well as compliance with the will of the Italian stylist. In addition to the figures closest to Armani, called to keep intact the vision and operation of the group, a system of six categories will be established shareholderswith differentiated rights but equal dividends. By express decision of Giorgio Armani, moreover, they will have to spend five years from his death before any mergers or Stock market quotes. The declared goal is to ensure stability And continuity to the brand.
It is good to underline, then, that the Armani group is not synonymous only with fashion. The company, in fact, also deals with catering, hotels, furniture, art, real estate and sports, in particular with the team of basketball Olimpia Milan.
Next September 28thin any case, the parade Armani in the frame of the Milan Fashion Week. The collection, which King Giorgio has dealt to the end, also marks the 50th anniversary of the brand’s foundation, also told in a dedicated exhibition.
Milan and all fashion, therefore, are preparing to greet the genius and indelible legacy of Giorgio Armani again.