Fashion World Mourns Valentino’s Death at 93
Valentino Garavani, the celebrated Italian fashion designer whose name became synonymous with elegance, glamour and timeless style, has died at the age of 93. The fashion house announced that Valentino passed away peacefully at his home in Rome, surrounded by loved ones. His death marks the end of an era in global couture, with tributes pouring in from fashion icons, Hollywood stars and world leaders alike.
A Style Legend: From Rome to the World
Born Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, Italy, Valentino’s passion for fashion took him from Italy to the major design houses of Paris before he launched his own brand in Rome in 1960.
From the beginning, Valentino’s creations focused on luxury, craftsmanship and timeless femininity. But one thing set him apart like no other: his signature shade of red — forever immortalized as “Valentino red” — which became a defining feature of his runway shows and gowns.
Iconic Designs and Prestigious Clients
Over nearly five decades as creative director of Maison Valentino, Garavani dressed some of the most influential and glamorous figures of the 20th and 21st centuries, including:
His gowns became staples on red carpets, royal events, and magazine covers, defining elegance for generations.
A true jet-set designer, Valentino’s opulent clothes and refined aesthetic made him a favorite among royalty, Hollywood starlets and fashion connoisseurs around the globe.
Legacy and Lasting Influence
Valentino’s influence on fashion extends far beyond his couture collections. His work helped reframe Italian style on the world stage, elevating it alongside Parisian couture giants. Designers across generations cite him as a major source of inspiration.
In 2008, he retired after a long and illustrious career, leaving a house that continued to flourish under the creative stewardship of others. Yet his vision of beauty, craftsmanship and elegance remained the guiding spirit of the brand.
Funeral and Final Honors
Following the announcement of his passing, Valentino’s body will lie in state in Rome at the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation on Jan. 21 and 22. A formal funeral is scheduled for Jan. 23 at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli and dei Martiri — a testament to his towering presence in culture and style.
Public figures and fashion leaders have already expressed profound respect:
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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called him an “eternal symbol of Italian haute couture.”
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celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Cindy Crawford and Zac Posen shared heartfelt tributes, calling his passing the “end of an era.”
Why Valentino Mattered: Style, Grace and Vision
Valentino’s work was never about fleeting trends — it was about timeless beauty and refined taste. He famously said that women want to be beautiful — and his dresses reflected that philosophy at every turn.
From his famed red creations to classic embroidered evening gowns and sophisticated silhouettes, Valentino’s designs defined glamour for decades, making his name a shorthand for elegance and sophistication in fashion history.
Conclusion: Remembering a True Fashion Maestro
Valentino Garavani’s death at age 93 closes a chapter on one of fashion’s most influential figures. As designers, celebrities and fans reflect on his legacy, Valentino will be remembered not only for the clothes he made — but for the confidence, beauty and joy he brought to women around the world.
His legacy lives on through the Maison Valentino fashion house, the hundreds of iconic designs he brought to life, and the countless aspiring designers who continue to study and celebrate his work.

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