Giorgio Armani has always been very protective of his grand home in Milan, on Via Borgonovo. Very few guests were ever allowed to cross the threshold of the stately mansion where “King Giorgio” spent more than 40 years, until his passing in September 2025.
Today, in accordance with the designer’s express wishes, the home has remained intact with its magnificent furnishings, except for a few special pieces set aside for his sister Rossana and his grandchildren. The property now belongs to Armani’s lifelong partner, Pantaleo Dell’Orco, known as Leo.
Love at first sight with the Brera palace
Armani, originally from Piacenza, has lived in Milan since he was very young, taking his first steps as a window dresser at La Rinascente.
Over the years, the man who would come to be known as “King Giorgio” lived in many different homes, until he found his true haven in 1982.
“When I first walked in, I wanted to throw open all the windows to take it all in. I immediately felt at home, and since then I’ve never wanted to leave.”
The grand palace at Via Borgonovo 21, in the oldest part of Brera, has since become the most intimate stronghold of Giorgio Armani and his inner circle. Starting with his partner and right-hand man in business, Leo Dell’Orco, whom he met in 1977 and who remained by his side until the very end.
A Party for Brad Pitt and George Clooney
Very few people were allowed into the 101 rooms, furnished with impeccable taste by Armani himself and architect Peter Marino. Japanese minimalism, oriental screens, elegant lines, and many references to felines—the designer’s favorite animals, as he surrounded himself with cats.
Among the few lucky people to have visited the Armani home are Brad Pitt and George Clooney, who are close friends and great admirers of Armani’s work. In the late 1990s, the designer threw a party for them at his home in Milan.
A truly unique opportunity, given that socialites and photographers (with rare and select exceptions) were banned.
Japanese rugs, mahogany desks, a Matisse, and… a bear
When Armani’s will was opened a few days after his passing, a curious list emerged of all the wonders hidden behind the thick 17th-century walls.
Starting with Andy Warhol’s portrait of Armani—a precious keepsake that remained with Dell’Orco—while another version made with diamond dust was auctioned by Philips shortly after the designer’s death.
His sister Rosanna, a former model and a key figure in Armani’s life, received a painting by Matisse and a photograph by Man Ray taken by Armani himself, as well as various furnishings, including a table by Sottsass and a Chinese secrétaire.
His friend Michele Morselli, CEO of L’Immobiliare srl—which managed all of the “King’s” assets—received a large mahogany table with gold legs and two armchairs upholstered in faux pony skin.
The rest of the furnishings, including the pieces to which Armani was most attached, remained with Dall’Orco and are still part of the home, among them a life-size bronze bear and various animal sculptures, including several tigers and panthers, which were much loved by the designer.
The special fashion show to bid farewell to King Giorgio
During Milan Fashion Week in February 2026, Casa Armani opened its doors for a grand event honoring Giorgio Armani, marking the first Fashion Week without him.
For the occasion, the Spring/Summer 2026 Women’s Collection fashion show did not take place in the historic venue on Via Bergognone—right across from Armani/Silos, the art space Armani was so keen to establish to house his historic collections and temporary exhibitions—but rather within the rooms of his home, in one of the most intimate and joyful places of his life.
Legal Disputes Over Armani’s Home
In July 2026, the house on Via Borgonovo became the subject of a legal dispute between Michele Morselli and his company, L’Imobiliare srl, and Vigdis Christiansen, the widow of Felice Riva.
Christiansen claims she was defrauded and sold the building to L’Imobiliare srl in 2022 at a price far below its actual value. The building was purchased for 75 million euros, but the prosecution alleges that it was worth between 130 and 200 million euros and that its appraisal was deliberately undervalued to benefit Morselli and the Armani group.
For their part, Armani’s representatives have dismissed the allegations as baseless and, in fact, argued that the price paid was above market value. They have also stated that they will take legal action against the accusations made by Christiansen.
