Thousands of mourners began paying homage on Saturday to Italian fashion giant Giorgio Armani, following his death aged 91.

The designer died Thursday after months of fragile health and will be laid to rest at a private funeral on Monday in Milan.

But members of the public are able to pay their respects this weekend, with his coffin laid out for public viewing at the Teatro Armani at Via Bergognone 59 in the northern Italian city.

Hundreds of people were already queuing when the doors opened at at 9:00 am (0700 GMT), led by a large group of Armani group staff, all in black mourning wear and black sunglasses.

The wooden coffin was laid in a darkened room, white flowers laid on top, and surrounded by white paper lanterns.

"It's so emotional," said Silvia Albonetti, an Emporio Armani sal

See Full Page