Renowned Italian fashion icon Valentino Garavani has passed away at the age of 93 in Rome, surrounded by his family, as confirmed by a statement from Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti. Following his demise, it was announced that Valentino will be laid in state at PM23 in Piazza Mignanelli 23 on Wednesday and Thursday, with his funeral scheduled for Friday, January 23, at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome.
Valentino, who founded his distinctive fashion house in 1959, held the title of the longest-serving couturier of both the 20th and 21st centuries. In 1960, he partnered with Giancarlo Giammetti, who became not only his business ally but also his romantic partner for 12 years.
Among Valentino’s notable clients were prominent figures such as Diana, Princess of Wales, Jennifer Lopez, Joan Collins, Andy Warhol, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, and Julia Roberts. Supermodel Naomi Campbell once referred to Valentino as “the last maestro,” emphasizing the exquisite craftsmanship of his designs.
Valentino’s creations have continued to grace red carpets, with celebrities like Zendaya and Carey Mulligan showcasing his modern designs. Notably, he was the mastermind behind the wedding gowns worn by Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor.
Valentino’s close relationship with Jackie Kennedy blossomed into a lifelong bond marked by mutual admiration for each other’s style sensibilities. His impeccable designs were lauded for their ability to empower women and make them feel beautiful.
Born as Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, Italy, Valentino honed his fashion skills in prestigious institutions such as the École des Beaux-Arts and the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne in Paris. He later established his fashion empire in Rome, where he collaborated with Giancarlo Giammetti to elevate Valentino SpA into a globally recognized brand.
Valentino’s distinctive use of scarlet red in his designs, famously known as “Valentino red,” captured the attention of fashion enthusiasts worldwide. His brand gained immense popularity when Jackie Kennedy prominently wore his creations in the aftermath of her husband’s tragic assassination in 1963.
The fashion industry mourns the loss of Valentino Garavani, with tributes pouring in on social media to honor his legacy. The world remembers Valentino as a visionary designer whose creations exuded elegance, sophistication, and timeless beauty.