Fez — Italy and the entire fashion world is grieving Valentino Garavani, known to the world simply as Valentino, who died yesterday at 93 years of age. The designer’s foundation announced that he passed peacefully at his home in Rome, surrounded by loved ones.
Valentino was one of fashion’s most influential figures, credited with shaping the modern landscape of luxury couture.
His work spanned decades and brought Italian elegance and glamour to the world’s most prestigious runways and red carpets.
A career defined by beauty and elegance
Born Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani in Voghera in 1932, Valentino developed an early fascination with fashion and went on to apprentice in Paris before establishing his eponymous brand in 1960. The Valentino fashion house quickly became synonymous with refined craftsmanship, luxurious gowns, and the signature “Valentino red” — a vivid hue that became a hallmark of his designs.
Over the years, Valentino dressed royalty, Hollywood stars, and cultural icons alike. His creations were beloved by figures including Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Julia Roberts, and many more, helping to cement his reputation as a stylistic force whose reach extended far beyond the fashion elite.
Legacy and recognition
Valentino’s influence endured long after his retirement from active design work in 2008. His brand continued to thrive under new leadership and remains a major presence in global fashion. Critics and admirers alike celebrated his unique vision — one rooted in the timeless pursuit of beauty, elegance, and emotional resonance.
News of his passing immediately reverberated throughout the fashion world, prompting tributes from designers, celebrities, and cultural leaders. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described him as “an eternal symbol of Italian elegance,” while industry peers remembered him as a pioneer whose creative genius inspired generations. “Today, we lost a true maestro who will forever be remembered for his art,” wrote Donatella Versace on Instagram.
Gwyneth Paltrow also expressed her mourning on Instagram where she wrote: “I was so lucky to know and love Valentino — to know the real man, in private. The man who was in love with beauty, his family, his muses, his friends. His dogs, his gardens, and a good Hollywood story. I loved him so much. I loved how he always pestered me to ‘at least wear a little mascara’ when I came to dinner. I loved his naughty laugh. This feels like the end of an era. He will be deeply missed by me and all who loved him. Rest in peace, Vava.”
Final honors in Rome
Plans for public memorial events were announced following the official statement. A lying-in-state will be held at PM23, the Valentino-Giammetti Foundation space in Rome, on January 21 and 22, leading up to a funeral service scheduled for January 23 at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli and the Martyrs.
Valentino’s legacy — a blend of artistic brilliance and cultural impact — will continue to shape fashion’s narrative for years to come. Though the couturier has passed, his designs, innovations, and signature aesthetic remain enduring testaments to the power of beauty and creativity on the global stage.
