The fashion world is in mourning following the death of iconic Italian designer Valentino Garavani. The maestro, known universally by his first name, passed away on Monday at his home in Rome, surrounded by loved ones. He was 93.
A Legacy of Red Carpet Glamour
Valentino's death was confirmed in a joint statement posted on his official and foundation Instagram pages. He co-founded his eponymous luxury brand in the 1960s with Giancarlo Giammetti, revolutionising high fashion. He became synonymous with a specific, vibrant shade known as "Valentino Red," and his signature use of bows, ruffles, and lace defined elegance for decades.
His clientele read like a who's who of high society and Hollywood royalty. He dressed Diana, Princess of Wales, actress Elizabeth Taylor, and former US first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. His gowns became red carpet staples, worn by stars from Sharon Stone and Anne Hathaway to Julia Roberts, who memorably wore a vintage black and white Valentino dress when she won the Best Actress Oscar in 2001 for Erin Brockovich.
Stars Lead Emotional Tributes
Tributes have poured in from leading figures across the globe. Actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who wore Valentino for her 2018 wedding and the 2013 Met Gala, said the news felt like the "end of an era." In an emotional Instagram post, she wrote: "I was so lucky to know and love Valentino – to know the real man, in private... This feels like the end of an era. He will be deeply missed."
Fashion designer Donatella Versace hailed him as a "true maestro," while model Cindy Crawford said she was "heartbroken," describing him as a "true master of his craft." Sarah Jessica Parker praised his "decadent generosity," and Elizabeth Hurley recalled his kindness, sharing that he called her son Damian 'The Little Prince.'
An Enduring Influence on Fashion
Valentino's influence was formally recognised in 2006 when he received France's highest honour, the Legion d'honneur. He announced his retirement in 2007 after a lavish three-day celebration in Rome marking 45 years in the industry. His legacy, however, is cemented in the DNA of the Maison Valentino.
The brand itself paid homage, vowing in a statement to preserve his "creative, cultural, and human heritage." Former creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli posted a heartfelt tribute to his mentor, writing: "You taught me that fashion is joy, though a profoundly serious kind of joy... You created an eternity, a place made of dream and beauty."
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was among the first to pay tribute, calling Valentino the "undisputed master of style and elegance" and an "eternal symbol of Italian high fashion."
Valentino will lie in state at his foundation's headquarters on Rome's Piazza Mignanelli on Wednesday, January 21 and Thursday, January 22, 2026. His funeral service will be held the following day, Friday, January 23, at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs in Rome's Piazza della Repubblica.
