FASHION WORLD MOURNS ARMANI

THOUSANDS of mourners from the fashion world and beyond have paid homage to Italian fashion giant Giorgio Armani, following his death aged 91.

King of a luxury lifestyle empire worth billions of euros, Armani dressed Hollywood actors, pop stars and royals in understated but exquisitely tailored creations.

He died Thursday after months of fragile health and will be laid to rest at a private funeral on Monday in Milan.

Armani's funeral chamber was open for well-wishers to pay their respects from 9am to 6pmon Saturday and Sunday at the Teatro Armani at Via Bergognone 59 in the northern Italian city.

The Teatro is a former Nestlé chocolate factory transformed on Armani's request in 2001 into the company's minimalist but luxurious headquarters, and it was where Armani showcased his creations.

Armani was mourned by his peers in the fashion world as well as by politicians and stars, but many ordinary people are also expected to pay their respects this weekend.

"Milan has lost a piece of its history," lamented local Emanuela Ottolina, 71.

Armani's death came just weeks before celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of his fashion house at Milan Fashion Week.

Born in Piacenza in northern Italy, the young Armani first enrolled in medical school but moved into fashion after a stint as a window dresser at a Milan department store.

By 1973, Armani had opened his own Milan design studio and created his debut eponymous collection in 1975.