The impact was also noticeable to those around him. His niece Roberta told Vanity Fair that Armani became “more serious and introverted,” immersing himself even deeper in his work following Galeotti’s death.

More than a professional partner

But years later, another man entered Armani’s life: Pantaleo “Leo” Dell’Orco, who met the designer when Armani was walking his dog in a Milan park.

Dell’Orco, 18 years Armani’s junior, was 24 at the time and had just transitioned from advertising to industrial design.

Their connection soon deepened, with Dell’Orco modeling for companies Armani collaborated with and eventually joining Armani’s design house just two years after its founding.

In the decades that followed, Dell’Orco became more than a professional partner. Armani described him as the person closest to him, providing “incredible psychological support, practical as well as workwise. First Sergio, then Leo,” he told CNN in 2022. Dell’Orco frequently appeared alongside Armani at fashion shows, honors, and events, eventually heading the Men’s Style Office and overseeing all menswear for Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, and Armani Exchange.