Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian designer whose name became synonymous with elegance, glamour, and timeless style, has died at his home in Rome at the age of 93. Known for his signature “Valentino red” and flawless gowns, he spent decades dressing the world’s most famous women and shaping the landscape of high fashion.
The Designer Who Knew What Women Wanted
Universally known simply as Valentino, he famously said, “I know what women want. They want to be beautiful.” His creations became the go-to choice for royals, first ladies, and Hollywood stars alike. From Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Princess Diana to Julia Roberts and Queen Rania of Jordan, Valentino’s designs were synonymous with confidence, refinement, and understated glamour.
His gowns have lit up countless red carpets, including Roberts’ black-and-white vintage column at the 2001 Oscars and Cate Blanchett’s butter-yellow silk dress at the 2004 awards. He also designed Jacqueline Kennedy’s lace wedding dress for her marriage to Aristotle Onassis in 1968. Beyond his signature red, his designs often featured bows, ruffles, lace, and intricate embroidery—delicate touches that celebrated femininity and beauty.
From Silver Screen Dreams to Fashion Royalty
Born on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, northern Italy, Valentino credited his childhood love of cinema for sparking his passion for fashion. After studying in Milan and Paris, he worked for established designers Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche before opening his own fashion house on Rome’s Via Condotti in 1959.
His early patrons included Italian screen sirens Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren, as well as Hollywood icons Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. Influential Vogue editor Diana Vreeland also championed his work, helping Valentino achieve international acclaim. Over the years, he expanded his empire to include ready-to-wear, menswear, and accessories, maintaining relevance well past his retirement in 2008.
A Life of Glamour and Enduring Legacy
Valentino lived the sophisticated, jet-set lifestyle of his clientele. Together with longtime partner Giancarlo Giammetti, he moved among homes in Rome, Paris, New York, London, Capri, and Switzerland, traveled with their pack of pugs, and entertained stars such as Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow. His possessions included a 46-meter yacht, a 17th-century château near Paris, and an art collection featuring works by Picasso and Miró.
Valentino’s influence has been celebrated in museum retrospectives and the acclaimed 2008 documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor. His foundation described him as “a true source of light, creativity, and vision.”
His body will lie in repose at the Valentino Foundation’s headquarters in Rome on Wednesday and Thursday, with the funeral taking place on Friday, January 23, at 11:00 a.m. at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome.
