Beyond the Runway: Giorgio Armani's Enduring Loves and Private Passions, from Sergio Galeotti to Leo Dell'Orco

Giorgio Armani, the enigmatic and immensely private fashion titan, has carved an empire built on timeless elegance and meticulous design. While his professional life has been a public spectacle of innovation and success, his romantic journey has remained largely shielded from the spotlight. Recently, the 90-year-old designer has opened up, offering rare glimpses into the profound connections that have shaped his personal world, revealing a history marked by deep affection, enduring partnerships, and profound loss.

Armani's earliest romantic experiences, though brief and tinged with youthful innocence, left an indelible mark. As a child, he recounted a tragic bond with a girl named Wanda, who lived three blocks away and was tragically killed by a truck at a very young age. Later, he shared a first intimate experience with a girl who, while not conventionally beautiful, offered him support during his school days. These early encounters hint at the quiet, personal nature that would define his relationships.

A pivotal moment in Armani's burgeoning self-awareness came during a summer camp. He described a profound attraction to a young male supervisor, a feeling he didn't fully comprehend at the time but which, he admitted, "took a different turn" in his life. This early, emotional connection was a significant awakening, marking the beginning of his understanding of his own sexuality, a topic he has historically guarded closely.

The most significant and formative relationship of Giorgio Armani's life was with Sergio Galeotti, an architectural draftsman he met in the late 1960s. Their connection quickly blossomed into both a deep personal bond and a powerful professional partnership. Galeotti was instrumental in convincing Armani to launch his own fashion house in 1975, providing the courage and financial backing (reportedly from selling his Volkswagen Beetle) that set Armani on his path to global fame.

Their relationship, spanning over a decade, was the bedrock upon which the Giorgio Armani S.p.A. empire was built. Galeotti managed the business aspects, allowing Armani to focus entirely on his creative vision. The two were inseparable, navigating the demanding world of fashion together, building a brand that would redefine modern luxury and style. Their bond was a testament to collaboration, trust, and shared ambition.

Tragedy struck in 1985 when Sergio Galeotti passed away at the age of 40 due to an AIDS-related illness. His death was a devastating blow to Armani, both personally and professionally. Armani has spoken candidly about the immense pain and grief he experienced, stating, > "When Sergio died, a part of me died with him." He recounted spending a year by Galeotti's hospital bedside, working tirelessly to keep their shared dream alive, even bringing him photos of fashion shows.

Despite the profound loss, Galeotti's death also ignited a fierce determination in Armani. He recalled facing skepticism about his ability to continue the business alone, which only fueled his resolve to prove them wrong. This period of intense grief and resilience solidified his independence and his commitment to the legacy he and Galeotti had built together, transforming his pain into an unyielding drive for success.

In recent years, Giorgio Armani has found a deep and enduring connection with Leo Dell'Orco, who serves as the head of the men's style office for his fashion brand. Dell'Orco has lived with Armani for many years, becoming the person closest to him. While Armani describes their bond as one of "deep affection," he has stated that he doesn't have much "space" for being "in love" in the traditional sense, given the all-consuming nature of his work.

Their relationship is characterized by a quiet companionship and mutual respect, with Dell'Orco often seen accompanying Armani at public events. Armani wears a "wonderful ring with a diamond," a symbol of their enduring connection. This partnership reflects a mature understanding of love and companionship, where shared life and affection take precedence over conventional labels or public displays, honoring Armani's intensely private nature.

Throughout his life, Armani has maintained a consistent approach to relationships, valuing deep connection and "complicità" (a profound sense of complicity or understanding) over fleeting romance. He has openly stated his bisexuality, acknowledging having had relationships with both men and women. His romantic history, though not extensively publicized, reveals a pattern of forming profound bonds that, even when they ended, did so for "the right reasons" and without leaving bitterness.

Armani has also reflected on his lack of children, expressing a wistful desire to have been a father, particularly adoring an employee's young daughter. His relationships, whether with partners or close confidantes, often take on a paternalistic quality, as he himself noted. Ultimately, Giorgio Armani's romantic journey is a testament to the quiet strength of his personal connections, woven into the fabric of a life dedicated to artistry and an enduring legacy.