For decades, Giorgio Armani, the now 90 year old fashion designer, has been famously private about his personal life, despite being recognised as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

In 2000, he gave a rare, brief comment on his sexuality in an interview with Vanity Fair, stating simply, “I have had women in my life. And sometimes men.” However, in a recent interview with Corriere della Sera, Armani has shared intimate details of his past relationships for the first time.

11th July 1934: Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani is born. Armani is considered as one of the most prominent designers from Italy. He identified as bisexual and for a long time was in a relationship with architect Sergio Galeotti. #OnThisDay #Queerstory pic.twitter.com/oZzqMMcWOo

— Gay Community News (@GCNmag) July 11, 2022

Reflecting on his early experiences, Armani recounted having sex for the first time with a girl from his school. He then described his first male love, a vivid memory from a summer camp on the beach at Misano Mare. “It was under a shed on the beach at 5 in the afternoon,” he revealed, adding, “I’ve never spoken about it.”

He described how, at that time, he didn’t distinguish between men and women, only knowing he felt a powerful attraction to a boy in his friend group. “It was a beautiful thing… you couldn’t wait to be close to him, to have him caress you… a great emotion.”

Later in life, Armani entered a decade-long relationship with architect Sergio Galeotti, who became both his business partner and romantic companion. The two met in the 1960s and their bond deepened through the 70s and 80s. Armani revealed “I saw Sergio in his car and I immediately fell for his Tuscan smile”

On this day series :1975 #GiorgioArmani @ArmaniExchange
and Sergio Galeotti found Giorgio @armani Armani S.p.A. in Milan, Italy

A great designer, we have met in London & Milan several times during fashion events. pic.twitter.com/U2dEBfhUhS

— MALConcerts (@MALconcerts) July 24, 2020

Tragically, Galeotti passed away from a heart attack and AIDS-related complications. “I had to tap into my willpower to deal with all the pain,” Armani shared, reflecting on the year he spent by Galeotti’s side in the hospital.

In the years following Galeotti’s death, Armani found companionship with Leo Dell’Orco, the Chief of men’s style at his fashion house. Although the two share a close bond and Armani wears a diamond ring, they are not married. “I don’t have that much space,” Armani explained, “But I have deep affection for Leo, who has lived with me for years and is the person closest to me.”

In the past, the designer has been criticised for his comments surrounding non-heterosexual couples during Milan’s fashion week.

While the fashion show was generally well-received by both queer and straight audiences, when asked about his decision to exclusively feature hetero-presenting couples in the show, Giorgio Armani clarified that it was indeed a very intentional choice.