• Thousands mourners lined up to pay respects to Giorgio Armani in Milan.
• The public viewing of Armani's coffin took place at the Teatro Armani.
• Fashion industry friends and celebrities joined ordinary fans in expressing their grief.
• Armani’s contributions to fashion and culture will be celebrated at Milan Fashion Week.
• Details about the private funeral are kept discreet, reflecting the designer's wishes.

Thousands of mourners gathered on Saturday in Milan to pay their respects to renowned fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who passed away at age 91. Visitors formed a silent queue to view his coffin, which was displayed in the upscale Teatro Armani, surrounded by white roses and small lanterns, creating a respectful atmosphere befitting an icon of style and elegance, according to Le Monde, Bangkok Post, and South China Morning Post.

Armani died after a prolonged battle with health issues, reportedly exacerbated by liver problems, with Italy's Corriere della Sera noting he had been in declining health for several months prior to his death on Thursday. His last major project was a runway show to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his brand, which highlights the bittersweet timing of his passing just before Milan Fashion Week, according to Los Angeles Times and India Times.

Among those paying respects were many prominent figures, including Donatella Versace, and members of the Agnelli family, reflecting the deep connections Armani had forged throughout his legendary career. Milan's mayor, Giuseppe Sala, called him a “man of extraordinary elegance” and expressed how integral Armani was to the culture and identity of Milan, as reported by Reuters and Reuters.

As the public viewing continued over the weekend, the heartfelt tributes included statements from former employees who described Armani as a father figure. This connection to his staff highlighted the close-knit nature of the company he created, which is now faced with the challenge of maintaining its legacy without its founder, according to Reuters and Reuters.