The passing of the legendary couturier marks the end of an era in Italian and global fashion.
Valentino Garavani, the visionary designer behind one of Italy’s most iconic fashion houses, has died at the age of 93.
In a statement posted to Instagram by his foundation, it was announced that Valentino “passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones.”
Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in 20th-century fashion, Valentino was celebrated for his romantic and ultra-feminine couture. Known the world over simply by his first name, he was one of the last great couturiers of his era.
A life that defined Italian glamour
Valentino founded his eponymous fashion house in Rome in 1960. Over the decades, he became renowned for his elegant designs, refined craftsmanship, and his signature shade — famously known as “Valentino red” — a bold hue that became synonymous with his brand.
At 17, Valentino moved to Paris to study at the École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture. That same year, he presented his first couture collection, titled Ibis.
Together with his lifelong partner and business collaborator, Giancarlo Giammetti, Valentino built a house dedicated to making women feel powerful, luxurious, and breathtakingly elegant. His work emphasised drama, romance, and confidence long before those terms became fashion clichés.
Valentino’s creations graced some of the most celebrated women of the 20th century, including Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, and Marisa Berenson, among many others.
An enduring legacy in red
The house marked its 45th anniversary with a spectacular show at the Ara Pacis Museum in Rome, where every model appeared in the brand’s iconic Valentino red gowns. Later that same year, in September, Valentino announced his retirement from the fashion industry.
Valentino Garavani leaves behind a legacy that transcends fashion trends and seasons. His work redefined elegance for generations, celebrating beauty, femininity, and confidence with every stitch. His influence will continue to live on in the language of fashion, in red gowns that command rooms, and in a standard of glamour that only a few have ever matched and will match.
The funeral will take place on Friday, January 23, at 11 a.m. at Rome’s Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, in Piazza della Repubblica.
