Valentino Garavani, one of Italy’s most influential fashion designers and a defining figure in global haute couture, has died at the age of 93.
His death marks the end of a remarkable era in luxury fashion shaped by elegance, discipline, and timeless design.
Born in 1932 in Voghera, northern Italy, Valentino developed an early fascination with fashion before training in Paris, where he studied under some of the industry’s finest tailoring traditions. He returned to Italy in the late 1950s and founded the Valentino fashion house in Rome in 1960, quickly establishing himself as a designer with a distinctive vision.
Valentino became synonymous with refined glamour. His creations were known for their clean lines, impeccable craftsmanship, and a romantic sensibility that appealed to royalty, Hollywood stars, and high-society clients across the world. Over time, his signature use of a bold, vibrant red — later known simply as “Valentino red” — became one of the most recognisable colours in fashion history.
Throughout his long career, Valentino dressed figures ranging from European royalty to international celebrities, cementing his reputation as a couturier of choice for high-profile occasions. His work balanced classic beauty with modern sophistication, allowing his brand to remain relevant across changing fashion eras.
Although he stepped away from active designing in 2008, Valentino’s influence never faded. The fashion house he built continued to thrive, while his legacy endured through the standards of excellence he set for Italian luxury fashion.
The announcement was made on Monday 19 January via a statement shared by his foundation on Instagram, confirming that he died peacefully at his home in Rome, Italy, surrounded by his loved ones.
The foundation also disclosed that funeral services will be held on Friday at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri.
Tributes from designers, models, and fashion institutions have described Valentino as a perfectionist, a visionary, and a guardian of haute couture traditions at a time when the industry was rapidly evolving.
Valentino Garavani leaves behind a legacy spiced not only by garments, but by an unwavering commitment to elegance and artistry — a legacy that will continue to inspire fashion for generations to come.
