Just one year before his death at the age of 91, Giorgio Armani opened up about the summer crush that would change the course of his life forever, in a candid admission he had kept private for years
Iconic Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who has passed away at the age of 91, last year opened up in a candid interview about his first ever crush on another man.
Although he’d already lost his virginity to a girl, the young Giorgio reached a significant turning point at summer camp, when he developed a youthful crush on a supervisor. From then on, his “life took a different turn”.
As a youngster, Giorgio, who grew up in the northern Italian town of Piacenza, harboured dreams of becoming a doctor, but it turned out that life had other plans. He lived a truly extraordinary life, filled with glamour, creativity and renown, and while he was a relatively private individual, he did on occasion offer insight into how he ended up treading his own unique and glittering path.
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In a 2024 interview with Corriere della Sera, Giorgio shared: “I’ve never talked about this. It happened under a shed on the beach at Misano, at five in the afternoon, when all the boys from the summer camp were supposed to have a bit of a quiet time.”
He continued: “I was in a group of boys, and there was a supervisor, a young man, who I felt immediately attracted to. I didn’t fully understand it at the time, and I didn’t pursue it. But from that moment on, my life took a different turn.
“I didn’t distinguish between men and women at the time. It was just an attraction I felt, something beautiful: I couldn’t wait to be near him, to be touched… I felt a huge connection. It’s still a very emotional memory for me.”
The billionaire would later go on to become one of the richest and most prominient LBGTQ+ businessmen in the world, and his loss has been deeply felt within the fashion community.
His team has today released the following statement: “With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani. Il Signor Armani, as he was always respectfully and admiringly called by employees and collaborators, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections, and the many ongoing and future projects.”
The statement continues: “Over the years, Giorgio Armani has crafted a vision that expanded from fashion to every aspect of life, anticipating the times with extraordinary clarity and pragmatism. He has been driven by relentless curiosity and a deep attention to the present and to people.
“Along this journey, he established an open dialogue with the public, becoming a beloved and respected figure for his ability to connect with everyone. Always mindful of the needs of the community, he has been active on many fronts, especially in support of his beloved Milan.
“Giorgio Armani is a company with fifty years of history, built with emotion and patience. Giorgio Armani always made independence – of thought and action – his hallmark. The company is, now and always, a reflection of this spirit. His family and employees will carry the Group forward in respect and continuity of these values.”
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