Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian designer whose name became synonymous with timeless glamour and red-carpet sophistication, has passed away at his home in Rome at the age of 93. Known for his exquisite gowns and signature “Valentino red,” he defined elegance for generations of women and remained a towering figure in fashion for decades.
A Designer Who Knew Women’s Hearts
Universally known simply as Valentino, he dressed royals, first ladies, and Hollywood stars alike, from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to Julia Roberts and Queen Rania of Jordan. His mantra—“I know what women want. They want to be beautiful”—guided his career and earned him decades of devotion from those who wore his creations.
Valentino’s designs were never about shock value but about flawless execution. His gowns became red-carpet essentials, seen at countless Academy Awards. Highlights include Roberts’ black-and-white column gown in 2001 and Cate Blanchett’s butter-yellow one-shouldered silk dress in 2004. He also designed Jacqueline Kennedy’s lace wedding dress for her marriage to Aristotle Onassis and counted Princess Diana among his close friends and clients.
From Silver Screen Dreams to Fashion Royalty
Born in Voghera, northern Italy, on May 11, 1932, Valentino’s love of cinema sparked his fascination with beauty and elegance. After studying in Milan and Paris, he worked with designers Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche before launching his own fashion house on Rome’s Via Condotti in 1959.
Early admirers included Italian film icons Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren, as well as Hollywood legends Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. Valentino’s signature touches—bows, lace, ruffles, and embroidery—combined with his iconic red hue, became hallmarks of his work and cemented his global reputation.
A Life of Luxury and Lasting Influence
Valentino lived as he designed: stylishly, jet-setting between homes in Rome, Paris, New York, London, Capri, and Switzerland, often accompanied by his partner Giancarlo Giammetti and their beloved pugs. He owned a 46-metre yacht, a 17th-century Paris chateau with over a million roses, and a celebrated art collection including works by Picasso and Miró.
His fashion empire grew to include ready-to-wear, menswear, and accessories. In 1998, Valentino and Giammetti sold the label for an estimated $300 million, though Valentino remained creatively involved for another decade. His work has been celebrated in retrospectives, including at Paris’ Musée des Arts Décoratifs, and documented in the 2008 film Valentino: The Last Emperor.
Valentino’s body will lie in repose at his foundation’s headquarters in Rome on Wednesday and Thursday, with his funeral scheduled for Friday, January 23, at 11:00 a.m. at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome.
