Photo Credit:Taylor Hill/FilmMagic
Italian fashion icon Valentino Garavani, known simply as Valentino, has died at the age of 93. Valentino, celebrated for his elegant evening gowns and signature scarlet hue known as “Valentino red,” was a defining figure in 20th-century fashion. His creations were worn by celebrities and public figures including Elizabeth Taylor, Jacqueline Kennedy, Sharon Stone, Julia Roberts, and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Born in Voghera, Italy, in 1932, Valentino studied couture in Paris before founding his own fashion house in Rome in 1959. He quickly gained international recognition, with Elizabeth Taylor among his earliest high-profile clients. Over the years, he dressed prominent figures such as Audrey Hepburn, Joan Collins, Cate Blanchett, and Jennifer Lopez, while remaining a favorite among supermodels including Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell.
Valentino met his long-time business partner Giancarlo Giammetti in 1960, a partnership that spanned both business and, for several years, a romantic relationship. Together, they built Valentino SpA into a globally renowned brand. Giammetti handled the company’s management, allowing Valentino to focus on creative design. The duo remained influential in fashion and the arts even after Valentino retired in 2008.
Valentino became famous for his glamorous red dresses, inspired by a trip to Spain, and featured at the end of his final runway show in 2007. He was recognized for intricate designs, georgette fabrics, chiffon ruffles, and detailed embellishments using the budellini technique. Valentino’s impact extended to Hollywood, dressing stars on red carpets and creating wedding gowns for figures such as Elizabeth Taylor.
The designer was known for his precision tailoring, love for pugs, and a passion for art, antiques, and topiary gardens. Despite his global fame and success, Valentino remained humble, often emphasizing his affection for his dogs over collections.
Valentino’s foundation announced that he passed away peacefully at his residence in Rome, surrounded by family. His funeral service will be held at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs, following a period where he will lie in state at Piazza Mignanelli.
The designer’s legacy is marked by his contribution to luxury fashion, his signature color, and his influence on generations of designers, ensuring his place as one of the last great couturiers of an era before fashion became dominated by commercial interests.
