Farewell to Armani, President Buonfiglio’s Tribute: “You were the Gold Medal of Elegance”

SPORT MOURNS THE PASSING OF THE DESIGNER

04 September 2025

Upon hearing the sad news of Giorgio Armani’s passing, CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio paid tribute with words of affection and admiration, issuing the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a proud icon of our country, a visionary who shaped the history of fashion with his innate talent and class. Giorgio Armani was a true ambassador of Italian excellence worldwide and a devoted supporter of our beloved sport, of both the Olympic and Paralympic movements. Since London 2012, through EA7 Emporio Armani, he has accompanied Italy’s Olympic missions, bringing a unique style that has made us — and will continue to make us — proud of a partnership capable of securing, always and in every circumstance, the gold medal of elegance.

CONI and the entire sporting movement mourn his passing, remembering the commitment he devoted to our community through visionary ideas, investments, and passion. These are the qualities we wish to honour by dedicating to him, starting with Milano Cortina 2026, our future achievements, proudly wearing the uniforms that will bear his name — an identity in which we will continue to recognise ourselves with a strong sense of belonging.”

President Buonfiglio will attend the lying in state on Saturday morning in Milan, as a dutiful tribute from the sporting world to Giorgio Armani. At the same time, CONI has ordered the flags at Palazzo H to be flown at half-mast for three days.