ROME — The fashion world mourns the passing of Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian couturier whose iconic ‘Valentino red’ gowns defined high glamour for nearly five decades. The Valentino Foundation confirmed his peaceful passing at his Rome residence on Monday at age 93.
In an official statement, the foundation celebrated his enduring legacy: “Valentino Garavani served not merely as a guiding force and inspiration, but as a genuine beacon of creativity, vision, and luminous artistry.”
Public visitation will be held at the foundation’s Roman headquarters Wednesday and Thursday, followed by Friday’s funeral service at the historic Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Piazza della Repubblica.
Known universally by his first name, Valentino cultivated an unparalleled clientele spanning generations of royalty, first ladies, and Hollywood elite. From Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to Julia Roberts and Jordan’s Queen Rania, his creations became synonymous with red-carpet perfection. “I understand what women desire,” he famously noted. “They wish to feel beautiful.”
Throughout his career from 1960s Rome to his 2008 retirement, Valentino eschewed transient trends in favor of timeless elegance. His design philosophy centered on feminine sophistication through signature elements: exquisite bows, delicate ruffles, intricate lacework, and lavish embroidery.
His sartorial mastery made Valentino the undisputed champion of awards season fashion. Memorable moments include Julia Roberts’ vintage black-and-white column dress at the 2001 Oscars and Cate Blanchett’s butter-yellow silk gown at the 2004 Academy Awards. He also designed Jacqueline Kennedy’s iconic lace wedding dress for her 1968 marriage to Aristotle Onassis.
Beyond his fashion empire, Valentino embodied the jet-set lifestyle he dressed—maintaining homes across four countries, a 46-meter yacht, and an impressive art collection featuring Picasso and Miró. His 17th-century French château boasted gardens containing over a million roses.
Born May 11, 1932, in Voghera, Italy, Valentino credited early cinema exposure for inspiring his fashion journey. After formal training in Milan and Paris, he apprenticed under Jean Desses and Guy Laroche before establishing his eponymous label on Rome’s Via Condotti in 1959.
Business partner Giancarlo Giammetti managed commercial operations while Valentino charmed an international clientele. Despite initial financial challenges due to extravagant tastes, the brand rapidly gained traction among icons including Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, and Audrey Hepburn.
The fashion house evolved to include ready-to-wear, menswear, and accessories before Valentino and Giammetti sold it for approximately $300 million in 1998. Valentino remained creative director until his spectacular 45th-anniversary celebration in 2007—a three-day Roman extravaganza culminating in a gala at Villa Borghese.
Following his 2008 retirement, creative direction passed through several hands before current ownership by Qatar’s Mayhoola (70%) and Kering (30%). The brand continues to honor his legacy while evolving under new leadership.
Valentino’s contributions have been honored through major retrospectives, including exhibitions at Paris’ Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the acclaimed 2008 documentary “Valentino: The Last Emperor.” In 2011, he launched a digital archive allowing virtual access to 300 signature designs.