As the world mourns Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer continues to hold a special place in the Australian arts scene.
Back in 2007, Armani was persuaded by Australian actress Cate Blanchett, who headed Sydney Theatre Company, to make one of the biggest ever cash donations to the organisation.
Thus Armani became a patron of the theatre.
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“Cate Blanchett is one of the greatest stage and screen acting talents of our time,” Armani said in a statement at the time, with the pair’s close connection evident.
Blanchett added: “The prospect of the STC embarking upon a creative relationship with an artist of Mr Armani’s experience and calibre is not only an inspiring but expansive one.”
On Friday, The Morning Show’s entertainment editor Peter Ford revisited the story.
“Armani was a massive supporter of the Sydney Theatre Company,” Ford began.
“Back when Cate and (husband) Andrew Upton were running it, he actually made the largest ever personal donation to an arts organisation in this country.
Until his death, he remained a life patron of the Sydney Theatre Company.
“Obviously, one of the great things about having Cate involved in the Sydney Theatre Company was she could work those phones and get money coming in.”
Armani had a net worth of $19 billion.
Ford spoke about Armani’s incredible life story.
“(It) all began as a window dresser in Milan in a department store. It just took off from there,” he said.
“Today, so many people are coming forward to talk about his impact on their life, or simply just to say how much they loved his work. And like all great designers, the real test is the test of time.”
Ford also touched on the designer’s personal life.
“Now, I do want to acknowledge his partner. His partner of 50 years was Leo Dell’Orco and very often with same sex relationships, when they’re being reported after someone’s death, they don’t mention the partner,” he said.
“So, 50 years is a great run for them together. Leo is very high-up in the Armani empire, looks after most of the business interests.
“That allowed Giorgio to basically be the creative force.
“He was last seen publicly earlier this year at a Paris fashion show.”
