Italian fashion legend Valentino Garavani, known globally simply as Valentino, has passed away at the age of 93, marking the end of an extraordinary era in haute couture and global luxury fashion.
The celebrated designer died peacefully at his home in Rome, surrounded by family, according to an official announcement released by the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation on Instagram. News of his death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fashion houses, designers, celebrities, and admirers around the world who credit Valentino with shaping modern elegance.
Renowned for his refined glamour, timeless silhouettes, and unmistakable aesthetic, Valentino dressed some of the most influential women of the 20th and 21st centuries. His designs were worn by cultural and political icons including Elizabeth Taylor, Nancy Reagan, Sharon Stone, Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jackie Kennedy, and countless royalty and global figures.
Born in Lombardy, Italy, in May 1932, Valentino showed an early passion for fashion. At just 17 years old, he moved to Paris to pursue his dream, enrolling at the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. His talent quickly distinguished him among his peers, leading him to work under legendary designers such as Jacques Fath, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Jean Dessès, and Guy Laroche — experiences that shaped his mastery of structure, craftsmanship, and luxury design.
In 1960, Valentino co-founded the Valentino fashion house in Rome alongside his lifelong business partner Giancarlo Giammetti. The brand rapidly gained recognition for its exquisite tailoring, opulent fabrics, and romantic sophistication, positioning Valentino among fashion’s elite alongside contemporaries such as Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld.
A defining feature of the brand was the iconic “Valentino red,” a vivid shade inspired by a trip the designer made to Spain early in his career. The colour became synonymous with passion, power, and femininity, evolving into one of the most recognisable trademarks in global fashion history. The significance of the shade was powerfully symbolised during Valentino’s final couture show in 2007, when every model appeared on the runway dressed entirely in red.
Throughout his decades-long career, Valentino became the embodiment of classic Italian luxury. His gowns were frequently seen on red carpets, at royal weddings, and during major global events. He was widely admired for his refusal to compromise elegance in an industry increasingly driven by trends and fast fashion.
Beyond design, Valentino was known for preserving traditional couture craftsmanship at a time when many fashion houses moved toward mass production. His ateliers maintained hand embroidery, intricate beadwork, and couture techniques that required hundreds of hours per garment, ensuring that haute couture remained an art form.
In 2008, Valentino officially retired from fashion design after presenting his final haute couture collection in Paris. The emotional farewell was attended by supermodels, longtime clients, and industry leaders who celebrated a man many considered the last emperor of couture.
Even in retirement, his influence never faded. Designers across generations continued to draw inspiration from his silhouettes, colour palettes, and commitment to refinement. The Valentino brand evolved under new creative leadership while maintaining the core identity established by its founder.
In December 2023, Valentino received one of the highest honours of his lifetime when he was presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award at the British Fashion Awards held at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The recognition celebrated more than six decades of creative excellence and his lasting impact on global fashion culture.
Following his passing, the foundation confirmed that Valentino will lie in state at Piazza Mignanelli from 21 to 22 January, allowing the public and admirers to pay their final respects. His funeral service is scheduled for 23 January at the historic Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs in Rome.
Tributes have poured in from across the world, with designers, models, and celebrities describing Valentino as a visionary whose work defined grace and femininity. Many highlighted his kindness, discipline, and unwavering commitment to beauty.
Valentino Garavani leaves behind more than a fashion house — he leaves a legacy of elegance, romance, and artistic excellence that transcended clothing. His creations did not merely dress women; they celebrated confidence, individuality, and timeless beauty.
As the fashion world mourns his passing, his influence will continue to live on through the brand he built, the designers he inspired, and the millions who admired his work. Valentino’s name remains etched permanently in fashion history as a symbol of luxury, artistry, and enduring style.
His death marks the close of a remarkable chapter, but his vision — stitched into silk, lace, and scarlet red — will continue to inspire generations to come.
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