Italian Fashion Icon Valentino Garavani Dies at 93

Legendary Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani has died at the age of 93, marking the end of an era for one of the most influential figures in global fashion.

Widely regarded as a giant of 20th-century couture, Valentino dressed some of the world’s most celebrated personalities, including Elizabeth Taylor, Nancy Reagan, Sharon Stone, Julia Roberts and Gwyneth Paltrow. His timeless designs helped define red-carpet glamour for decades.

Valentino co-founded the Valentino fashion house in 1960, rising to the very top of the industry alongside contemporaries such as Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld. His brand became synonymous with elegance, luxury and refined opulence.

Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation

In a statement shared on Instagram, the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation confirmed that the designer passed away peacefully at his home in Rome, surrounded by family.

The foundation announced that Valentino will lie in state at Piazza Mignanelli on January 21 and 22, with his funeral service scheduled for the following day at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs.

Born in Lombardy in May 1932, Valentino showed an early passion for fashion. At just 17, he moved to Paris to study at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, later working with renowned fashion houses led by Jacques Fath, Balenciaga, Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche.

One of his most enduring legacies was the creation of the iconic “Valentino red,” inspired by a trip to Spain. The bold shade became a defining symbol of the brand and helped propel it to international fame, notably through the celebrated fiesta dress. The colour’s significance was underscored in 2007, when all models wore red for the finale of Valentino’s final collection.

In recognition of his extraordinary contribution to fashion, Valentino received the Outstanding Achievement Award at the British Fashion Awards in December 2023, held atLondon’s Royal Albert Hall.