Image from Reuters
On Tuesday, 9 September 2025, the two handwritten wills of Giorgio Armani were officially opened in a ceremony at the Notarial Archive of Milan. The documents, dated 15 March and 5 April of this year, had been sealed in envelopes and were personally written by the designer. They were disclosed by notary Elena Terrenghi, in accordance with the formal procedure required under Italian law. Armani passed away on 4 September, aged 91, leaving behind an estimated fortune of USD 9.6 billion and one of the most powerful empires in the global luxury sector.
So far, the full content of the wills has not been made public, but it is already known that they contain instructions regarding the future of his eponymous company — including the possibility of a partial sale or even the flotation of the brand. It also remains unclear how Armani’s personal assets, artworks and real estate will be distributed, or which heirs will assume executive and creative roles within the group. However, figures such as Leo Dell’Orco, Armani’s right-hand man, his sister Rosanna, and several close nephews are already being cited as potential custodians of his legacy.
The opening of the will marks the beginning of a new chapter for the House of Armani, where tradition, business strategy and creative sensitivity will need to be carefully balanced. More than a legal procedure, it represents a historic transition that will shape the future of an empire built on independence and elegance. The world now watches to see how Giorgio Armani’s vision will be honoured, and how his brand will continue to influence global fashion in the decades to come.
