Giorgio Armani’s Final Wish Revealed: Partner Leo Dell’Orco Set to Lead Empire Amid Multi-Billion Inheritance
In a stunning disclosure that blends legacy with luxury, the late fashion icon Giorgio Armani’s handwritten wills—opened just days after his September 4, 2025, passing—hand significant control to his longtime partner and creative confidant, Leo Dell’Orco. The move ensures Armani’s $13 billion empire endures under trusted hands, sparking global buzz in the high-stakes world of haute couture.
Unsealing the Wills: A Dual Document Legacy
Milan courts unsealed two secret wills penned by Armani himself: one dated March 15, 2025, and the second April 5. Without direct heirs—no spouse or children—the documents outline a meticulous succession to safeguard his brand’s independence.
The Giorgio Armani Foundation emerges as the outright owner of nearly 100% of Giorgio Armani S.p.A., including prime real estate like villas in Pantelleria, properties in Saint-Tropez and Antigua, and the company’s Milan headquarters. Voting rights split strategically: 40% to Dell’Orco, 30% to the foundation, and 15% each to two key nephews, Andrea Camerana and an unnamed relative, per early reports.
Leo Dell’Orco: From Right-Hand Man to Empire Guardian
Pantaleo “Leo” Dell’Orco, 72, steps into the spotlight as Armani’s chosen steward. A Bisceglie native who joined Armani in 1977, Dell’Orco helmed menswear design across Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, and Armani Exchange lines while serving on the board.
Armani granted Dell’Orco lifetime usufruct of his iconic Milan palazzo at Via Borgonuovo, their shared home and creative hub. He also inherits 40% of Armani’s 2% stake in EssilorLuxottica—valued at over €1 billion—alongside family members claiming the rest. Dell’Orco, Armani’s partner for decades, was the “person to whom I entrusted my most private thoughts,” as the designer once confided.
Family’s Role in Preserving the Armani Vision
Armani’s sister Rosanna and her son Andrea Camerana, the company’s sustainability director, secure villas and operational influence. Nieces Silvana and Roberta Armani, veterans in women’s collections and board roles, bolster the creative core.
This blend of family and foundation echoes Armani’s philosophy: a “gradual transition” to avoid rupture, as he shared in his final Financial Times interview. The setup shields the brand from fragmentation, with the foundation—co-founded by Armani, Dell’Orco, and banker Irving Bellotti—holding veto power on major decisions.
Expert Insights and Public Buzz
Fashion analysts hail the plan’s elegance. David Pambianco of Business of Fashion predicts short-term stability but warns of medium-term pressures from giants like LVMH and Kering. “The family must decide: independence or absorption,” he noted.
Social media erupts with tributes. On X, users celebrate Dell’Orco as the “anchor of loyalty,” with one post garnering hundreds of likes: “Armani’s empire rests confidently in Leo’s hands—style, trust, and elegance intact.” Industry insiders like Vogue Business underscore the “organic handover,” praising Armani’s foresight.
Why U.S. Fashion Lovers and Investors Should Care
Armani’s U.S. footprint—stores in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, plus licensing deals—drives billions in revenue, influencing American luxury retail and celebrity culture from Hollywood red carpets to Wall Street wardrobes. A stable succession under Dell’Orco could boost stock values if partial sales occur, while potential ties to U.S.-traded LVMH (parent of Louis Vuitton) or EssilorLuxottica ripple through portfolios.
For everyday style icons, this ensures Armani’s timeless suits and silhouettes remain accessible, without the chaos of a contested estate derailing innovation in a market where U.S. consumers snap up 30% of global luxury goods.
A Timeless Legacy Secured
Giorgio Armani’s wills craft a seamless bridge from visionary to stewards, with Leo Dell’Orco at the helm alongside family and foundation. Yet, Armani left a twist: directives to sell 15% of the group initially—and up to 54.9% more within five years—to suitors like LVMH, EssilorLuxottica, or L’Oréal, balancing preservation with evolution.
Looking ahead, expect Milan Fashion Week tributes and boardroom maneuvers to honor his “quiet power.” Armani’s empire, born in 1975 rebellion, now sails toward a future as enduring as its founder.