The fashion world mourns the passing of Italian design maestro Valentino Garavani, who died peacefully at his Roman residence on January 20th at age 93. Surrounded by family members, the legendary couturier’s departure marks the end of an era for haute couture. The Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation confirmed the news through an official Instagram statement, announcing public viewings would be held at Piazza Mignanelli on January 21-22, followed by a funeral service at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs.
Born in Lombardy during May 1932, Valentino revolutionized twentieth-century fashion with his distinctive vision of luxury and opulence. His designs became synonymous with aristocratic elegance, characterized by lavish fabrics, meticulous craftsmanship, and his signature ‘Valentino red’—a vibrant crimson hue inspired by Spanish cultural aesthetics. The iconic fiesta dress, debuted in his groundbreaking collection, propelled the Valentino fashion house to international acclaim following its 1960 co-founding.
Throughout his illustrious career, Valentino dressed generations of style icons from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor to contemporary Hollywood stars including Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jennifer Lopez. His designs consistently embodied red-carpet glamour rather than utilitarian fashion, with former British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman noting his creations represented ‘fabulous gowns’ rather than office attire.
Valentino’s recent recognition with the Outstanding Achievement Award at the December 2023 British Fashion Awards underscored his enduring influence. Despite evolving fashion trends, the designer maintained his commitment to classical beauty and refined elegance, cultivating lifelong relationships with celebrity clients. His final 2007 collection featured an all-red finale, paying homage to the color that defined his six-decade legacy.