Inside Giorgio Armani's Life, Heartbreak Over Sergio Galeotti To Lasting Bond With Leo Dell'Orco

Italian fashion icon, Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91. The news was officially confirmed by the Armani Group, leaving the fashion world in mourning. While Georgio's Italian aesthetic and classic dressing of Hollywood stars was known to the world, his personal life was always a mystery. There were speculations around his relationships with no confirmation until he openly discussed it in his later years. Here's everything you must know about his relationships and se***l preferences. 

Giorgio Armani's long time relationship with Sergio Galeotti ended in a heartbreak 

Giorgio Armani maintained silence over questions about his personal life for the majority of his career. That silence only fueled curiosity and it was not until an interview with Corriere della Sera in his later years that Armani spoke openly about his experiences of love, attraction and heartbreak. The fashion designer had admitted that he was attracted to both men and women throughout his life. Sharing his earliest memories of being attracted to men, Giorgio said:

“It was under a shed on the beach at Misano Mare, at 5 in the afternoon, when all the boys from the colony were taken to the beach to relax. I was in a group of boys, and there was a supervisor, a young man, who I felt immediately attracted to.”

One of the most significant and long-lasting relationships in Giorgio Armani's life was with architect, Sergio Galeotti. The duo had been together for more than a decade right from their first meeting in the 1960s. After developing a personal and professional bond, it was Sergio who motivated the designer to seriously pursue a career in fashion. Their romance ran simultaneously with the rise of the Armani brand. However, Giorgio was left heartbroken after Sergio died in the 1980s from complications related to AIDS. Recalling how he was left shattered, Giorgio Armani said: 

“When Sergio died, a part of me died with him, I had to tap into my willpower to deal with all the pain and anguish. A whole year spent next to Sergio in his hospital bed. And it all happened as our career was taking off, when we were becoming known, setting up our company, and reaching worldwide fame.”

Giorgio Armani found a long lasting companionship with Leo Dell’Orco 

Despite the heartbreak, Giorgio Armani found a companionship with Leo Dell’Orco in the later years of his life. Leo used to work as the brand's chief of men’s style. He and Giorgio shared a long-lasting bond but Giorgio never termed it as 'love'. The Italian designer tried to avoid naming their bond. He admitted that he had a ‘deep affection’ for Leo and he was the closest to him. Giorgio Armani used to even wear a diamond ring, though he maintained that marriage or definitions were less important than the life they had built together.

Giorgio Armani left a massive empire worth USD 12.1 billion 

On September 4, 2025, Giorgio Armani passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. His death marks the end of an era in fashion. He was one of the last great independent designers, still the sole shareholder of his empire. However, beyond all the runway glam, tailored suit and Hollywood gowns, Giorgio Armani inspired a new generation of designers. Since he was not married and had no direct heirs, there is a mystery on who may inherit his fortune.

We share our heartfelt condolences to Giorgio Armani's family in this difficult time.

Next Read: Giorgio Armani, Italian Designer Passes Away At 91, Company Announces Funeral Details In Statement

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