CASA MARIÙ: Giorgio Armani’s Enduring Legacy Of Education And Compassion

Giorgio Armani’s name has long been synonymous with timeless elegance, refinement, and the quiet strength of Italian luxury. Today, his legacy extends far beyond the world of haute couture with Casa Mariù, a profound international initiative dedicated to safeguarding children’s right to education. Conceived in honour of his beloved mother, Mariù, the project embodies the values of empathy, dignity, and generosity that Armani held dear throughout his life.

Casa Mariù was envisioned as a celebratory milestone for the maison’s fiftieth anniversary and now stands as a testament to the designer’s humanity. More than philanthropy, the initiative represents Armani’s vision of shaping a more equitable world—one where vulnerable children across continents are given access to education, care, and the tools to thrive.

A Global Commitment to Education

At the heart of Casa Mariù lies a series of concrete, targeted actions: funding teachers’ salaries, supplying school materials, and creating nurturing environments where families and communities can grow. The project is carried out in collaboration with Fondazione Caritas Ambrosiana, alongside PIME missionaries and Operazione Mato Grosso, ensuring a deep, contextual understanding of each community’s needs.

Through eight children’s facilities across six countries and three continents, Casa Mariù is creating transformative opportunities:

• Cameroon, Mouda – Support for the Bethlehem Foundation nursery, providing healthcare and nutrition to 60 orphaned children and medical care to over 2,000 patients annually.
  
• Thailand, Chiang Rai – Scholarships, specialised staff, and healthcare for children with disabilities at the Centro San Giuseppe.
  
• Bangladesh, Surihari – Renovation of school and dormitory facilities for 160 children, with dedicated support for 25 children with disabilities.
  
• Philippines, Tay Tay – Partnership with Caritas to expand education for disadvantaged island children.
  
• Nicaragua, Ciudad Sandino – Strengthening the Redes de Solidaridad nursery and primary school, welcoming 230 children from the Nueva Vida community.
  

Peru, Yanama, Tauca & Nuevo Chimbote – Three projects with Operazione Mato Grosso, offering basic education and safe environments for children in underserved regions.

Giorgio Armani’s Personal Dedication

Reflecting on the initiative, Giorgio Armani expressed: “A better future begins with a childhood that, while perhaps not as happy as every child deserves, is at least serene and formative, with family and school at its heart. I feel a strong need to give back some of the good I have received. That is why I wanted to dedicate this initiative to my mother, who always protected and supported us. Through Casa Mariù, I hope to create a concrete and positive impact on the lives of many children and their families.”

This heartfelt statement illuminates Armani’s deep sense of responsibility and his unwavering belief in education as a cornerstone for social justice, dignity, and progress.

The Enduring Spirit of Luxury With Purpose

While Giorgio Armani is globally celebrated for redefining modern luxury, Casa Mariù showcases a different yet equally powerful expression of refinement—luxury as compassion. Beyond fashion, the initiative reinforces a vision of elegance rooted in human dignity, empathy, and collective responsibility.

Luciano Gualzetti, Director of Caritas Ambrosiana and originator of the project, emphasized: “There can be no escape from poverty or injustice without the knowledge, skills and awareness that only education and stimulating learning environments can provide. We are honoured that Giorgio Armani so generously shared this vision with us.”

About Caritas Ambrosiana

Founded in 1974 by the Archbishop of Milan, Caritas Ambrosiana is the official instrument of the Diocese for the promotion and coordination of charitable initiatives. With a mission rooted in social justice, peace, and the dignity of every individual, the foundation remains a vital presence in Milan and across the globe, responding to emergencies while empowering communities through education and development.