MILAN, Sept 23 (Reuters) - A retrospective celebrating

half a century of Giorgio Armani's work will kick off at a Milan

museum on Wednesday, showcasing more than 100 creations

including rare dresses and suits that defined the legendary

Italian designer's understated elegance.

Armani, known in the fashion world as "King Giorgio", died

earlier this month at the age of 91 in Milan, a city with which

he had a deep personal and professional connection.

The exhibition, which starts during Milan Fashion Week and

runs through January, was curated with Armani's direct input and

coincides with the label's 50th anniversary.

ARMANI'S LAST COLLECTION WILL HIT THE RUNWAY

It sets the tone for a week that blends mourning with

celebration, culminating in a runway show of Armani's spring

collection on Sunday evening at the Brera art museum, where the

exhibition is also being held.

Garments including striking blue and red dresses are set

among Italian art masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 19th

century.

"Armani's aesthetic rigor is also an ethical rigor, like

that of the greats of the past," museum director Angelo Crespi

said.

The retrospective marks the end of an era - and the

beginning of a new chapter for the iconic brand.

Armani remained fiercely independent throughout his career,

resisting takeover approaches and a stock market listing. In his

will, however, he instructed heirs to sell the company in two

phases, naming French luxury conglomerate LVMH, beauty

giant L'Oréal, and eyewear heavyweight EssilorLuxottica

as possible buyers.

Until then, the business remains in the hands of Armani's

closest family members and confidants, including longtime

collaborator Pantaleo Dell'Orco, who will oversee the transition

alongside a foundation created by the designer.

The Milan Fashion Week kicked off on Tuesday with a Gucci

event and runs to September 29. Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Fendi

are among the brands showcasing new collections.

(Reporting by Elisa Anzolin and Lisa Jucca, Writing by Lisa

Jucca; Editing by Ros Russell)