The Man Beside Giorgio Armani: Leo Dell’Orco’s Role in His Life and Career

In the wake of Giorgio Armani's demise at 91, the spotlight has shifted to his closest confidant and longtime collaborator, Leo Dell’Orco.

The owner of the Italian luxury brand died today, September 4. Details about the same remain scarce, though his family and employees confirmed his demise in a statement. Leo Dell’Orco worked with Armani as the longtime head of men's design.

Per Marca, born in Bisceglie, Bari, in 1952, Dell'Orco has been with the fashion powerhouse for over 45 years. He was once described by the late himself as

"the person to whom I have entrusted my most private thoughts, personal, work and otherwise."

Everything we know about Giorgio Armani's right-hand man: Leo Dell’Orco

Giorgio Armani's fashion brand, which reportedly generated over €2.3 billion just last year, will now reportedly be divided into six shares, one of which will go to Leo Dell’Orco. Per Modaes, Armani previously told the Financial Times,

“My succession plans consist of a gradual transition of the responsibilities I have always assumed towards Leo Dell’Orco, the members of my family and the work team."

Per Fashion United, he said in June 2021:

"It felt right to come out with Leo, who has been helping me with the men's collections for so many years; he is my collaborator and is very good, just like my niece Silvana is with womenswear. So, I am preparing my future with the people I am currently in charge of."

Leo Dell’Orco reportedly assumed the role of chairman of the board of directors of Pallacanestro Olimpia Milano in July 2019, which was previously helmed by Armani himself from 2008.

During the former's tenure, the basketball team nabbed the 2022 and 2023 league titles, the 2020 Super Cup, and the following two consecutive years' Italian Cup. They also closed in on the EuroLeague Final Four in 2021.

Giorgio Armani and Leo Dell'Orco's friendship, however, goes back decades. In his autobiography, ‘Per Amore,' which debuted in November 2022, Armani reflected on his longtime friend and colleague:

"His real name is Pantaleo… he is the person to whom I have entrusted my most private thoughts, personal, work and otherwise, which he has kept to himself with great discretion. Thank you, Leo!"

As of this writing, Leo has yet to address the demise of his lifelong friend himself. It also remains unclear just how much of a stake in the company he will bequeath.

Stay tuned to SoapCentral for more.

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