Legendary Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani has passed away at 93 years old. He was in Rome with his family when he died, as confirmed by a statement from Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti.
After his demise, it was announced that Valentino will be honored with a lying-in-state ceremony at PM23 in Piazza Mignanelli 23 on Wednesday and Thursday, followed by his funeral on Friday, January 23, at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, located at Piazza della Repubblica 8 in Rome.
Valentino established his renowned fashion house in 1959, making him the most enduring couturier of the 20th and 21st centuries. In 1960, he partnered with Giancarlo Giammetti, who became both his business collaborator and romantic companion for over a decade.
Among his esteemed clientele 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 praised Valentino as “the last maestro,” emphasizing the exquisite craftsmanship of his designs, which she likened to precious jewels. Oprah Winfrey, recalling wearing a Valentino gown to the 1994 Emmys, expressed her deep admiration for the designer’s creations.
Valentino’s creative genius extended to dressing modern-day stars like Zendaya and Carey Mulligan. Notably, he crafted the wedding gowns for Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor, cementing his legacy as a master of elegance and sophistication.
His enduring friendship and collaboration with Jackie Kennedy, which began in 1964, were underscored by mutual admiration and respect. Valentino’s impeccable designs were lauded for empowering women and making them feel truly beautiful.
Valentino, born as Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, Italy, honed his skills at prestigious fashion institutions in Paris before establishing his own fashion empire in Rome. Recognized for his iconic red dresses, he earned the moniker “Valentino red” for his distinctive use of the vibrant hue.
The fashion world mourned the loss of Valentino, with tributes pouring in on social media following his passing. Anna Wintour of Vogue fondly remembered Valentino as a beacon of joy and sophistication in the fashion industry, highlighting his enduring legacy and friendship with Giancarlo Giammetti.
Valentino’s influence on the fashion landscape will be remembered for generations to come, marking the end of an era in the global fashion arena.