Italian fashion icon Valentino Garavani, celebrated for his timeless evening gowns and signature “Valentino red,” has died at the age of 93. According to a statement from his foundation, Garavani passed away at his residence in Rome, surrounded by family.
Born in Voghera, Italy, in 1932, Valentino trained in Parisian haute couture before establishing his own fashion house in Rome in 1959. Early in his career, he gained renown for his vibrant red dresses and quickly attracted high-profile clients, including Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Joan Collins, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Queen Paola of Belgium.
In 1960, he met Giancarlo Giammetti, who became both his business partner and romantic partner for 12 years. Together, they transformed Valentino SpA into a globally recognized luxury brand. Valentino’s influence extended across decades, from mingling with New York’s elite—including Andy Warhol and Vogue editor Diana Vreeland in the 1970s—to dressing supermodels like Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell in the 1990s.
His designs have been a staple on the red carpet, from Jane Fonda’s 1981 Oscar gown to Julia Roberts in 2001, Jennifer Lopez in 2003, Cate Blanchett in 2005, and Anne Hathaway in 2002, who appeared accompanied by Valentino himself. More recently, stars such as Zendaya, Carey Mulligan, and Gemma Chan have continued to showcase his creations at major award ceremonies, affirming the enduring legacy of his brand in global fashion.
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., with the funeral scheduled for Friday, January 23, at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, Piazza della Repubblica 8, Rome, at 11:00 a.m.#newsafro_
