Giorgio Armani closing Milan hotel and commercial businesses during coronavirus lockdown

By

Godfrey Deeny

Published
Mar 10, 2020

Giorgio Armani has decided to temporarily close down its luxury hotel, restaurants and all its boutiques in Milan, the company announced Tuesday evening, in reaction to the rapid spread of coronavirus in Italy.

The decisions come 16 days after the 85-year-old Armani staged his signature runway collection behind closed doors on Sunday, February 23, during the final day of important shows for Milan Fashion Week.

“Due to the recent development of the coronavirus outbreak in the Lombardy region, and in continuity with the preventative measures adopted so far to safeguard the health of the employees and customers, the Armani Group announces the temporary closing of the Milan boutiques, restaurants and Hotel,” the house said in a terse statement.

It did not give any further information about how long these closures would last. The move comes less than 24 hours after Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced drastic measures to place Italy in lockdown as it attempts to gain control in the battle against Covid-19. The latest count shows that the virus has claimed 463 lives and infected 9,172 people in the country so far.

Located on central Via Manzoni, just 200 yards from La Scala, the 95-room Armani Hotel Milano is a top-grade luxury hotel, where rooms start at 400 euros per night. Its decor mimicks the designer’s minimalist style, with an eighth-floor spa and city skyline views, as well as flower and chocolate shops and the famed Privé nightclub. The latter was the site of Armani’s last public appearance, where  Italian veteran rock star Gianna Nannini gave a concert during Milan Fashion Week. Within this central city block, which is 100% devoted to Armani, the designer also boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant, and the award-winning Italian edition of Nobu. Armani Hotel Milano is partly owned by Emaar Properties, the Gulf region real estate developer, with whom Giorgio opened his debut hotel in the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, in 2010.

Armani also owns a further half a dozen boutiques in Milan – including his signature collection, as well as Emporio Armani, Armani Casa and an accessories store. Moreover, the designer will also shutter his Armani Silos exhibition space in south Milan, located across the street from his Armani Teatro, the Tadao Ando-designed show venue located in a former Nestlé sweets factory.