Renowned Italian fashion icon Valentino Garavani, widely celebrated as one of the most influential designers of the modern era, has passed away at the age of 93.
Valentino, whose elegant and glamorous designs shaped red carpets and high society for decades, dressed some of the world’s most famous women, including Elizabeth Taylor, Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sharon Stone and former U.S. First Lady Nancy Reagan. His work became synonymous with timeless luxury and refined craftsmanship.
The Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation confirmed his death in a statement shared on social media, revealing that the designer died peacefully at his home in Rome, surrounded by loved ones.
The foundation also announced that the late designer’s body will lie in state at Rome’s Piazza Mignanelli on January 21 and 22, allowing the public and fashion community to pay their final respects. His funeral service is scheduled for January 23 at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs.
Born in May 1932 in Lombardy, northern Italy, Valentino developed an early passion for fashion and moved to Paris as a teenager to formally study couture at the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne.
He later honed his craft while working with celebrated fashion houses under designers such as Balenciaga, Jacques Fath, Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche.
In 1960, Valentino co-founded the Valentino fashion house, which went on to become one of the most powerful luxury brands in the world, placing him among industry greats like Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld.
One of his most enduring legacies was the introduction of his signature shade, famously known as “Valentino red.” Inspired by a trip to Spain, the vibrant colour became a defining symbol of the brand and a favourite on the global fashion stage.
Its significance was highlighted during Valentino’s final runway show in 2008, where every model closed the show dressed in red.
Beyond the runway, Valentino’s influence extended to historic moments, including designing the wedding gown worn by Princess Madeleine of Sweden during her 2013 marriage to financier Christopher O’Neill.
His contributions to fashion continued to be recognised long after his retirement. In December 2023, he received the Outstanding Achievement Award at the British Fashion Awards in London, a tribute to his lasting impact on global style.
Former British Vogue editor-in-chief Alexandra Shulman described Valentino as the embodiment of glamour, noting that his priority was always beauty rather than chasing trends.
She praised his ability to maintain strong relationships with high-profile clients over decades, from Jacqueline Kennedy to modern Hollywood stars such as Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez and Gwyneth Paltrow.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the fashion world, Valentino Garavani is being remembered not just as a designer, but as a visionary who defined elegance for generations, leaving behind a legacy stitched into the history of fashion itself.
by queen serem
