Aprivate funeral was held for Giorgio Armani on Monday in the province of Piacenza town of Rivalta where he grew up after the great Italian fashion designer died at the age of 91 on Thursday.
    A day of mourning was declared in Italy's fashion-and-business capital Milan, where around 16,000 people paid their respect to Armani as he lay in state at the city's Teatro/Armani on Saturday and Sunday.
    Armani stores closed at 15:00 on Monday as a sign of respect to the fashion house's founder.
    "Giorgio Armani was the guardian of the garden of beauty created by God," said Giuseppe Busani, the parish priest of Rivalta's San Martino church, before presiding over the funeral.
    "He experienced it with the noble simplicity that characterized him.
    "An often wounded creation, he helped renew and transfigure it.
    "We are grateful that he chose this place, we feel loved and esteemed.
    "The bond with Rivalta was lived on earth for many years and it will continue in heaven.
    "Many Armani family events were celebrated here.
    "Rivalta therefore preserves the sacredness of life, affections and bonds that never end but are transformed".
    Security was tight in the town for the funeral.
    Only around 70 relatives, friends and close aides attended the service.
    Local people threw the petals of white flowers on the path to the church and one of the wreathes read "with so much affection, your employees".

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA