Hundreds of ordinary admirers and VIPs have paid their last respects to fashion icon Giorgio Armani.

The designer was remembered by Milan's mayor as a "man of extraordinary elegance" who left an indelible mark on the city and the global fashion world.

Armani died on Thursday aged 91 at his home in central Milan surrounded by loved ones.

His fashion house said he worked right up to the end.

One of his final projects was a runway show marking 50 years of his signature Giorgio Armani brand, which is due to close Milan Fashion Week later in September.

Mourners on Saturday filed into the Armani Theatre, where Armani regularly showed his ready-to-wear runway collections.

Rows of candles in paper bags cast a shimmering light and piano music by Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi played softly

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