Valentino Garavani, the Italian fashion designer whose name became synonymous with high glamor and timeless elegance, has died at the age of 93 at his home in Rome, his foundation announced Monday. The message was shared on social media and said he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
Fashion legend Valentino Garavani has died – All about his life and legacy
Born on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, northern Italy, Valentino was widely known simply as Valentino – a name that came to mean luxury, refinement and sartorial excellence around the world.
He founded the house of Valentino in 1959 and over the next five decades became one of the most influential figures in the history of fashion.
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Valentino’s designs were known for their intricate craftsmanship, elegance and most of all the signature shade of red that became known as “Valentino Red”. Bold color featured prominently in his collections and became a hallmark of his brand identity.
During his career, Valentino dressed some of the most famous women of the 20th century. His clients included Hollywood stars, European royalty and world style icons such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren and Princess Diana.
His gowns were a fixture on red carpets and high society events, making him a favorite among celebrities and social elites alike.
Valentino first gained international attention in the 1960s, shortly after launching his label, and quickly built a reputation for luxurious eveningwear, finely cut silhouettes and a romantic aesthetic that appealed to women across cultures.
During his long career, he became known as one of the last great designers of the generation that defined fashion before the modern era of mass marketing and global commercialization.
In addition to his fashion achievements, Valentino’s personal style and glamorous lifestyle have made him a beloved figure in the worlds of art, society and popular culture. His frequent appearances at major fashion weeks and exclusive events, often accompanied by his long-time business and life partner Giancarlo Giametti, cemented his position as the arbiter of taste and elegance.
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Valentino retired from active design work in 2008, bringing to a close a career that spanned nearly half a century. His last haute couture show in Paris marked the end of an era for the fashion house he built from the ground up. Even after his retirement, he remained a respected presence in the fashion community, often attending the shows of his successors and offering advice and inspiration.
Over the years, the Valentino brand has continued to evolve under various creative directors, maintaining its reputation for sophistication and luxury. In recent years, figures such as Pierpaolo Piccioli and later Alessandro Michele have taken the helm, bringing Valentino’s legacy into the current fashion landscape.
After news of his death, tributes poured in from around the world. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid tribute to Valentino as “the undisputed master of style and elegance and an eternal symbol of Italian haute couture”, while designers, models and celebrities expressed their admiration for a career that has influenced generations.
Plans have been announced for a public repose in Rome’s Piazza Mignanelli on January 21 and 22, followed by a funeral service at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri on January 23.
The death of Valentino Garavani marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in the history of fashion. His commitment to beauty, craftsmanship and timeless elegance shaped not only the brand, but also the way the world understands couture. His influence will live on through the countless women he dressed and the designers he inspired.
