By Giulia Segreti

ROME (Reuters) -Giorgio Armani, who died on Thursday, built one of the world's most iconic fashion groups, over which he maintained a tight grip until the very end. His death raises questions about the future of his empire and who might take the reins.

Here are the people closest to him who might play a key role in his succession.

THE SISTER: ROSANNA ARMANI

Giorgio's key muse for decades, Rosanna, 86, was the youngest of the three Armani siblings. She was a model as a young woman and the designer claimed she was the first to have opened his eyes to the fashion industry.

She was head of the group's communications and led the Emporio Armani Magazine, a lifestyle magazine illustrating the concepts that inspired collections.

THE RIGHT-HAND MAN: PANTALEO (LEO) DELL'ORCO

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