ROME—The global fashion community is in mourning following the announcement from the Valentino Garavani Foundation that the iconic Italian designer passed away at age 93 on Monday. Surrounded by close companions at his Roman residence, the man known mononymously as Valentino leaves behind an unparalleled legacy that shaped haute couture for over six decades.
His departure comes merely months after another Italian fashion titan, Giorgio Armani, passed away, marking a poignant moment for the industry. Tributes poured in immediately from fashion houses, political leaders, and cultural institutions worldwide.
Designer Donatella Versace memorialized him on Instagram as “a true maestro who will forever be remembered for his art,” while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed him as the “undisputed master of style and elegance and eternal symbol of Italian high fashion.”
Valentino’s influence extended beyond the runway, dressing generations of cultural icons from Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy to contemporary stars like Julia Roberts and Gwyneth Paltrow. His signature “Valentino red” gowns became synonymous with luxury and sophistication, while his personal aesthetic—complete with immaculate grooming and beloved pug dogs—embodied the opulence he championed.
The 2008 documentary “The Last Emperor” chronicled his extraordinary career and final collection, cementing his status as a fashion legend. His creative vision transformed the “Made in Italy” label into a global powerhouse, with his 1964 meeting with Jackie Kennedy proving particularly transformative for both his career and American fashion consciousness.
Born in Voghera in 1932, Valentino established his Rome-based fashion house in 1960 after training in Paris. Alongside business partner Giancarlo Giammetti, he built an empire that redefined luxury fashion through successive acquisitions and global expansion.
A public lying in state will be held at his company headquarters near Rome’s Spanish Steps on Wednesday and Thursday, with a funeral scheduled for Friday in the Italian capital.