Valentino Garavani died on January 19 at his home in Rome. He was 93. The legendary Italian fashion designer breathed his last from natural causes.
Valentino founded his fashion house in 1959 in Rome. What started as a small atelier has grown into a global luxury brand. The brand expanded into haute couture, ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes, eyewear, perfumes and licensed products sold worldwide.
His designs focused on elegance rather than fast trends. The brand is known for fine tailoring, romantic shapes and the famous “Valentine’s Red”.
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Valentino Garavani has dressed royalty, political leaders and Hollywood stars. His clients included Jacqueline Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett and Anne Hathaway. His work helped define Italian fashion on the world stage.
Valentino was also known for his deep love of dogs, especially pugs. They often traveled with him and became part of his public image.
A key reason for his success was his long partnership with Giancarlo Giametti, who ran the business side. Together, they built a powerful fashion empire and secured Italy’s place among the world’s luxury capitals.
Their romantic relationship ended in the early seventies. Yet they remained close partners in life and business for over 60 years.
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Valentino later had relationships with Bruce Hoeksema and actress Marilù Tolo.
Valentino Garavani received many international honors during his lifetime. These included the French Order of the Legion of Honor and the Medal of the City of Paris.
It was considered a cultural symbol in Italy. Many have described his influence as second only to the Pope in national importance.
Valentino Garavani Net Worth
Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti owned an impressive collection of houses in Rome, London and Paris. They also have properties in Manhattan and Switzerland. He has a famous castle near Paris with a garden where there are said to be more than a million roses.
Valentino later had relationships with Bruce Hoeksema and actress Marilù Tolo.
Valentino Garavani received many international honors during his lifetime. These included the French Order of the Legion of Honor and the Medal of the City of Paris.
It was considered a cultural symbol in Italy. Many have described his influence as second only to the Pope in national importance.
Valentino Garavani Net Worth
Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti owned an impressive collection of houses in Rome, London and Paris. They also have properties in Manhattan and Switzerland. He has a famous castle near Paris with a garden where there are said to be more than a million roses.
From the late 1960s to the 1980s, the brand expanded into ready-to-wear and licensing. Valentino launched his first fragrance in 1978 and licensed his name for bags, shoes, eyewear, luggage and accessories.
In 1998, the company was sold for around $300 million and later went through several global owners, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
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Valentino Garavani had an estimated net worth of $1.5 billion at the time of his death, the publication added. He was widely regarded as one of the last great masters of 20th century haute couture.
“I know what women want. They want to be beautiful,” he once said. In fact, he surrounded himself with beautiful and expensive things.
Valentino Garavani enjoyed a life full of rare and carefully selected luxuries. He owned the TM Blue One, a 152-foot superyacht worth about $15 million. It was designed by Perini Navi with interiors personally designed by Valentino. He used a private Bombardier Global 6000 jet for travel.
Valentino also owned a remarkable art collection worth hundreds of millions of dollars. The works of Picasso, Rothko, Bacon, Warhol, Basquiat, Hockney and others were exhibited in his residences. He even had custom made Roman sheets that were ironed twice a day.
