Hundreds of people have gathered at Milan's Armani Theatre to pay their last respects to Giorgio Armani, after his death at age 91.

Armani's closed coffin was topped with a bouquet of white roses and guarded by Italy's military police, the Carabinieri, on Saturday.

A photo of the designer smiling and waving was projected on the back wall of the viewing chamber with the parting words: "The mark I hope to leave is one of commitment, respect and genuine care for people and for reality. That's where everything truly begins."

Italian fashion icon Donatella Versace was among those who filed past the closed casket at the headquarters of his multi-billion-euro lifestyle company, which marked its 50th anniversary this year.

The Italian died on Thursday after months of fragile health and will be

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