Italian Fashion Legend Valentino Garavani Dies At 93, Leaving Timeless Legacy

Italian fashion legend Valentino Garavani, famed for his elegant gowns and signature “Valentino red,” has died at 93. The Valentino Foundation confirmed on Monday that he passed away peacefully at his Rome home, surrounded by family.

A lying-in-state will be held on Wednesday, January 21, and Thursday, January 22, at PM23, Piazza Mignanelli 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the funeral scheduled for Friday, January 23, at 11:00 a.m. at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, Piazza della Repubblica 8, Rome.

Born in 1932 in Voghera, northern Italy, Valentino honed his craft in Parisian haute couture before founding his Rome-based fashion house in 1959. Early in his career, he became renowned for his rich scarlet evening gowns, which came to be known as “Valentino red.”

In 1960, he met Giancarlo Giammetti, his long-time business and romantic partner, who helped transform Valentino SpA into a global luxury brand. His early clients included Elizabeth Taylor, Jacqueline Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, Joan Collins, and Queen Paola of Belgium, cementing his reputation among the world’s elite.

Valentino’s creations became red-carpet staples, gracing stars like Jane Fonda, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Lopez, Cate Blanchett, and Anne Hathaway at the Academy Awards. His influence continued through the decades, with modern icons such as Zendaya, Carey Mulligan, and Gemma Chan wearing his designs, highlighting the brand’s enduring global appeal.

Valentino’s legacy remains as one of the most influential figures in fashion, celebrated for his timeless elegance, meticulous craftsmanship, and ability to define glamour across generations.