Fashion lost a real giant. Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian fashion designer whose name became synonymous with elegance, drama, and that unmistakable Valentino red, has died at the age of 93.
Valentino wasn’t just a designer. He was a moment. A movement. A man who understood glamour before it became a watered-down Instagram caption. From Roman ateliers to the world’s most exclusive red carpets, his work defined what luxury looked like for decades.
Born in Italy and trained in Paris, Valentino Garavani built a fashion empire rooted in romance, precision, and unapologetic beauty. His designs were structured but emotional, timeless but bold. And once his name was stitched into a dress, it meant something.
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One of his earliest and most iconic supporters was Jacqueline Kennedy, who famously turned to Valentino after her time in the White House. When Jackie Kennedy wore Valentino, the fashion world paid attention. That single relationship helped catapult him into international superstardom and cemented his reputation as the designer of choice for women who wanted power wrapped in grace.
And the list of women who wore Valentino reads like a hall of fame.
Audrey Hepburn embraced his refined silhouettes. Elizabeth Taylor draped herself in his drama and excess.
Sophia Loren embodied his Italian glamour. Princess Diana wore his gowns with quiet strength. Beyoncé and Lady Gaga brought Valentino into modern pop culture, proving his designs could live comfortably across generations.
Valentino knew how to dress icons because he understood them. He didn’t chase trends. He set standards.
In a statement shared on social media, Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti confirmed his passing, writing:
“Our founder, Valentino Garavani passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones.
“The lying in state will be held at PM23 in Piazza Mignanelli 23 on Wednesday January 21st and Thursday January 22nd, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
“The funeral will take place on Friday, January 23rd at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, in Piazza della Repubblica 8 in Rome, at 11 am.”
Valentino officially stepped away from designing in 2008, but his influence never left. Designers still reference his work. Red carpets still echo his silhouettes. That signature shade of red still stops rooms.
He gave fashion permission to be beautiful without apology. To be grand without explanation. To be classic without becoming boring.
Rest in power to a man who dressed history itself.