RIVALTA, Italy (AP) – Family members and close friends gathered for a private funeral service on Monday for fashion icon Giorgio Armani, held in the 14th-century Church of San Martino Vescovo, situated within a medieval hamlet close to his birthplace of Piacenza. Armani, recognized as one of the most prominent figures in the global fashion industry, passed away on Thursday at the age of 91.

Over the weekend, more than 15,000 mourners paid their respects during two days of public viewing in Milan. In contrast, the funeral service was strictly private, attended solely by close family and friends. As the hearse transporting Armani's coffin approached the historical church, several bystanders lined the road to pay their final respects, with one woman throwing a white rose as it passed by.

Following the funeral, Armani's remains are expected to be laid to rest in the family chapel located within the town’s small cemetery, where both his parents and older brother have been interred. Italian media has reported that the late designer often visited a restaurant in the medieval cluster near the chapel after his visits.

The Church of San Martino Vescovo, where the service took place, was constructed on the remnants of an earlier medieval church, according to the town’s website. The setting of the funeral reflected the deep historical roots of the area, contributing to the intimate and personal nature of the service.

Giorgio Armani was born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, located along the banks of the Po River. He is survived by his younger sister, Rosanna, along with two nieces and one nephew. The legacy he leaves behind is a testament to his significant influence on the fashion industry and the mark he made on the world of design.

During the evento, attendees were struck by the quiet dignity of the proceedings, a reflection of Armani’s character and the respect he commanded throughout his life. As the fashion community and admirers mourned the loss of an iconic figure, his contributions to style and elegance will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.