Mr. Armani was one of the designers who most inspired, guided, and supported me over the years. A true gentleman, full of grace—and yes, undeniably handsome. I moved to Milan when I was thirty and quickly realized that, in many ways, he was the soul of the city. His effortless elegance and his refusal to take himself too seriously embody that distinct Italian style the world so admires.

The first time I shook his hand was at a basketball game between Olimpia and Virtus, though I was too shy to properly introduce myself then. I finally found the courage at a fashion show. At the game, I felt a little awkward because I was cheering for the other team. Still, it was impossible not to be charmed by his ice-blue eyes and his firm, confident handshake—which I’ve always taken as a sign of his strong presence and lasting friendship toward the magazine I now lead.

Armani’s story is woven into the very beginnings of Vogue Italia. Flavio Lucchini, the magazine’s first art director, designed the original Giorgio Armani logo right in the editorial office. When the young designer decided to go out on his own, his friend created the brand’s graphics using the same Bodoni font as Vogue and even gifted him a few ad pages for good luck. The rest, as they say, is history. That story has always stayed with me because it captures the spirit I hope for in our industry today—one built on bold, human connections between people with big ideas and even bigger dreams, who work together to bring them to life. A world where culture is expressed through heartfelt, tireless work, always remembering that our business is about people. Especially those who stand by you for life because they believe in a shared vision. Mr. Armani understood that nothing gives a person dignity like work, and I always felt that was what he wanted to instill in his team.

He always made time for us journalists, offering warmth and attention without many words—he saved those for when they truly mattered. I still treasure his well-wishes for my wedding and the birth of my daughter, as well as the compliments he gave when an article or photo truly captured the essence of his work. He wanted his fashion to be understood and brought to life, which is why he supported us even when others questioned what we did. Once, he even replied in our magazine to a letter from a child sent to an anonymous Giorgio Armani mailbox. Luca, almost nine years old, wanted to show off his collection of modern space-suits: camouflage suits, super-fast suits, and one that could make you invisible. He wrote, “Please let me know if you liked them.” Mr. Armani responded with wonder and gratitude: “I’m so pleased you thought of me. I wish I could make them—they’re magical. They let you jump, fly, turn invisible, and they’d certainly be useful in these difficult and complicated times. Never stop dreaming! Giorgio Armani.” This was in 2020, at the height of Covid, and there we were, witnessing an extraordinary exchange about fashion between an eight-year-old boy and an eighty-five-year-old man.

He noticed everything and devoured stories day and night—culture, fashion, society, style. We all know how much his friendship with Franca Sozzani meant to him; she was his partner in countless adventures. I remember that for the Venice show in September 2023, he insisted on having Franca’s son, Francesco Carrozzini, there with his wife, Bee. Because Venice was the dream, and Franca was its spirit. Yet that never overshadowed the deep respect he had for Emanuele Farneti, who carried on Franca’s legacy. I’ll never forget a couture show in Paris: at the end, Mr. Armani stepped forward and extended his hand to Emanuele.

He was a man who reached out. And whenever any of us posed for a photo with him, he would always shake your hand.He had a very strong hand. A gesture almost invisible to most, yet powerful and deeply personal to those who experienced it. That’s probably why every time I wore one of his designs, I felt both elegant and at ease. Because every silhouette was more than just impeccable cuts and fabrics—it carried his gentle touch.

During my recent visit to the exhibition celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Giorgio Armani Privé line at Armani/Silos, I was reminded of a question Lucia Annunziata once asked me on her TV show: Why should the working class care about beauty? About fashion? Because beauty touches everyone. It resonates deeply with each of us, in different ways. Just like Mr. Armani did. He moved people. They followed him, they loved him, and he always responded with gratitude and humility, never taking their devotion for granted. Behind the dark glasses and reserved demeanor, he spoke to Italy and the world. His essence was crystal clear.

I attended many of his fashion shows. We were together at La Scala, which he had decorated with flowers after the pandemic. I visited his home to shoot a tribute to Scorsese’s iconic documentary Made in Milan. But perhaps my most moving memory with him dates back to last September, for Vogue Italia’s 60th anniversary. Some designers had declined the invitation to our exhibition at Palazzo Citterio, saying they were too busy during fashion week. But he made time to enthusiastically accept Anna Wintour’s and my invitation to visit the installation and celebrate with us.

I had just given birth and was very emotional. I clearly remember my heart pounding as I waited for him at the entrance of the Palazzo. He showed up, as he always did—for Vogue Italia, for our country’s other fine magazines, for beauty. A free-spirited dreamer, driven by great passion.

I’m grateful to have known him, and we will certainly continue to share his vision of fashion on the pages of Vogue Italia. Beyond his talent and vision, we will forever remember the man himself and his love for his craft.

Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Francesca Ragazzis Tribute to Giorgio Armani

1 Who is Francesca Ragazzi
Francesca Ragazzi is a fashion editor and writer known for her work in publications like Vogue where she has covered designers and trends including Giorgio Armanis contributions

2 What is the tribute about
The tribute is a heartfelt acknowledgment of Giorgio Armanis influence and legacy in fashion expressing that while he will be missed his work will continue to be celebrated and featured in their publication

3 Why is Giorgio Armani important in fashion
Giorgio Armani is a legendary Italian designer who revolutionized fashion with his elegant timeless designs particularly in menswear and womenswear emphasizing sophistication and simplicity

4 What does we will continue to feature his fashion mean
It means that the newspaper or publication plans to keep showcasing Armanis designs collections and influence in future issues honoring his ongoing impact

5 Is Giorgio Armani retiring or stepping away
The tribute suggests a sense of change or transition but it does not explicitly state retirement it may refer to a reduced role or symbolic farewell while affirming his lasting presence

6 How has Armani influenced modern fashion
Armani introduced relaxed yet refined silhouettes popularized power dressing in the 1980s and set standards for luxury readytowear blending Italian craftsmanship with wearable elegance

7 What are some iconic pieces by Giorgio Armani
Key pieces include the deconstructed jacket tailored suits for women and the famous Armani suit for men known for its clean lines and neutral color palettes

8 Why might someone miss him in the fashion world
As a pioneering figure his direct involvement or presence may be less frequent due to age or shifting roles leading to nostalgia for his eradefining contributions

9 How can readers engage with Armanis fashion through the newspaper
By reading features looking at editorials or spreads dedicated to his designs and following updates on new collections or retrospectives covered by the publication

10 What is the emotional tone of this tribute
It is respectful and appreciative blending sadness for his reduced role with optimism about keeping his legacy alive through continued coverage