Italian Fashion Icon Valentino Garavani Passes Away at 93

Fashion Legend Valentino Garavani Dies at 93

 

Italian fashion legend Valentino Garavani, whose glamorous designs defined haute couture for decades, has passed away at the age of 93.

The news was confirmed on Monday by the Valentino Foundation, which stated that Garavani died at his residence in Rome, Italy, surrounded by his loved ones.


“Valentino Garavani passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones,” the foundation announced.
Lying-in-State and Funeral Arrangements

The foundation confirmed that a lying-in-state will be held at PM23, Piazza Mignanelli 23, on Wednesday, January 21 and Thursday, January 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The funeral is scheduled for Friday, January 23, at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, Piazza della Repubblica 8, Rome, starting at 11:00 a.m.
Early Life and Career

Born in Voghera, northern Italy, in 1932, Valentino began his career training in Paris haute couture ateliers before establishing his own fashion house in Rome in 1959.

He quickly became famous for his signature scarlet evening gowns, a shade now globally recognized as “Valentino red.”
Partnership with Giancarlo Giammetti

In 1960, Valentino met Giancarlo Giammetti, a young architecture student who became his long-term business partner and romantic partner for 12 years. Together, they turned Valentino SpA into one of the world’s most respected luxury brands.
Hollywood and Royal Clients

Valentino’s early clientele included some of the most glamorous figures of the 20th century:


Elizabeth Taylor, met during the filming of Cleopatra in Rome


Begum Aga Khan


Queen Paola of Belgium


Audrey Hepburn


Joan Collins


Jacqueline Kennedy, who wore Valentino for her 1968 wedding to Aristotle Onassis
Enduring Influence in Fashion

Valentino’s designs remained popular across decades. In the 1970s, he frequently spent time in New York, moving in circles that included Andy Warhol and Vogue’s Diana Vreeland.

In the 1990s, he became a favorite of supermodels like Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell, while his red-carpet gowns continued to make headlines.
Iconic Red Carpet Moments

Valentino’s creations were a fixture on the Oscars and other high-profile events:


Jane Fonda in 1981 (heavily beaded gown)


Julia Roberts in 2001 (black-and-white vintage gown)


Jennifer Lopez in 2003 (pastel mint caftan gown)


Cate Blanchett in 2005 (sunshine-yellow gown)

Both Roberts and Blanchett won Oscars in the years they wore Valentino.

In 2002, Anne Hathaway appeared at the Oscars in a Valentino gown, personally accompanied by Garavani himself.
Contemporary Stars and Legacy

Even in recent years, Valentino remains a red-carpet favorite among stars such as Zendaya, Carey Mulligan, and Gemma Chan, solidifying the brand’s enduring influence on global fashion.

Valentino Garavani’s passing marks the end of an era, but his timeless designs, bold colors, and dedication to elegance ensure that his legacy will continue to inspire generations of designers and fashion lovers worldwide.