Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian fashion designer and founder of the iconic Valentino fashion house, has died at the age of 93.
The news was announced on January 19 via Valentino’s personal Instagram account and his foundation.
“Our founder, Valentino Garavani, passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones,” the statement read. “The lying in state will be held at PM23 in Piazza Mignanelli 23 on Wednesday, January 21, and Thursday, January 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The funeral will take place on Friday, January 23, at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, Piazza della Repubblica 8 in Rome, at 11:00 a.m.”
Following the announcement, leading figures from across the fashion industry shared tributes and condolences in the comments section of the Instagram post.
Valentino was internationally renowned for his elegant designs and his signature shade of red, often referred to as “Valentino red.” His career reached new heights after Jacqueline Kennedy purchased and wore six of his designs in the year following the assassination of her husband, President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy later chose a Valentino gown for her wedding to Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.
“I know what women want,” Valentino said in the 2008 documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor, reflecting on the secret to his enduring success. “They want to be beautiful.”
Beyond fashion, Valentino left his mark on popular culture, including a cameo appearance as himself in the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada.
His life and career were chronicled in Valentino: The Last Emperor, filmed during the final two years of his professional life. The documentary features appearances by Gwyneth Paltrow, Anne Hathaway, Elizabeth Hurley, and Sarah Jessica Parker, as well as Valentino’s six beloved pugs.
