Veteran fashion designer Giorgio Armani, a prominent figure in the global fashion industry, has opened up about his personal life and past relationships. Now 90, Armani spoke candidly in an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera, revealing intimate details about his romantic experiences with both men and women, the first time that he has shared such personal insights about his relationships and sexuality.
Armani, renowned for his work in fashion and his contribution to the LGBTQ+ community, had previously alluded to his sexual orientation in a 2000 interview with Vanity Fair, where he briefly mentioned “I have had women in my life. And sometimes men.” However, the recent interview provides a more comprehensive narrative of his romantic journey.
Reflecting on his formative years, Armani shared a memory that had remained private until now. He recounted losing his virginity to a girl from his class and described his first attraction to a male during a summer camp at Misano Mare. He elaborated on his youthful attraction to a male supervisor at the camp, saying, “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.” Despite the intense feelings that arose from this early encounter, Armani did not act on them, leaving him with a sense of anxious excitement and profound introspection.
The fashion mogul also spoke about his long-term relationship with architect Sergio Galeotti. Their professional partnership began in the 1960s and blossomed into a romantic relationship that lasted for over a decade. Armani shared reminisces about their first meeting in Versilia, Italy, and how Galeotti was one of the first to recognise his fashion potential. Unfortunately, Galeotti passed away due to a heart attack and complications from AIDS, a loss that deeply affected Armani. Reflecting on this period, Armani admitted, “When Sergio died, a part of me died with him,” acknowledging the emotional toll the loss took on him against the backdrop of their rising professional success.
Following Galeotti’s death, Armani found companionship with Leo Dell’Orco, the chief of men’s style at the Armani fashion house. Despite not being legally married, Armani described their relationship as one defined by “deep affection.” Armani wears a diamond ring gifted by Dell’Orco but is indifferent to categorising their relationship, choosing instead to focus on the bond and shared life experiences they have built together.
Giorgio Armani’s revelations provide a rare glimpse into the personal life of one of fashion’s most private figures, highlighting not only his significant contributions to fashion but also his personal journey and relationships that have shaped his life and career.
Source: Noah Wire Services
