Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani has died at the age of 93. He passed away peacefully at his home in Rome. His family was by his side.
Valentino stood among the greatest designers of the 20th century. His work defined luxury, elegance and glamour. Global celebrities frequently wore his creations.
Elizabeth Taylor, Nancy Reagan and Sharon Stone chose his designs. Julia Roberts and Gwyneth Paltrow also wore Valentino. His gowns dominated red carpets for decades.
He co-founded the Valentino fashion house in 1960. The brand soon became a global symbol of high fashion. Valentino ranked alongside Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld.
The Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation confirmed his death. The foundation shared the news in an Instagram statement. It said he died peacefully at home.
The foundation announced public arrangements. Valentino will lie in state at Piazza Mignanelli. The public may pay respects on January 21 and 22.
His funeral will take place on January 23. The service will be held at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs. Fashion figures are expected to attend.
Valentino was born in Lombardy in May 1932. The fashion icon showed an early passion for fashion. Valentino left Italy at 17 to study in Paris.
He enrolled at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. He later worked under major designers. These included Jacques Fath and Cristóbal Balenciaga.
The fashion giant also gained experience with Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche. These roles shaped his design philosophy. They refined his signature style.
Valentino became famous for opulence and precision. His collections featured strong shoulders and rich fabrics. Luxury defined his aesthetic.
A trip to Spain inspired his iconic Valentino red. The colour became central to the brand’s identity. It elevated the fashion house worldwide.
The legendary fiesta dress cemented the shade’s fame. Valentino red became synonymous with elegance. It defined countless runway moments.
In 2007, Valentino presented his final collection. Every model wore red during the finale. The moment became a historic farewell.
The fashion world honoured him repeatedly. In December 2023, he received a major award. He won the Outstanding Achievement Award in London.
The British Fashion Awards honoured him at Royal Albert Hall. Industry leaders praised his lasting influence. His legacy continues to shape global fashion.
Valentino leaves behind an unmatched body of work. His designs defined generations of style. His name remains eternal in haute couture.