The world of high fashion is in mourning following the announcement that Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian designer known mononymously as Valentino, has died. He was 93 years old.
A Roman Farewell for a Fashion Titan
The news was confirmed on Monday, 19th January 2026, by the Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti. In a statement shared on social media, the foundation revealed the designer passed away peacefully at his residence in Rome, surrounded by his loved ones. The announcement also provided details of the forthcoming ceremonies, allowing the public and industry to pay their respects.
A lying in state will be held at PM23 in Piazza Mignanelli 23 on Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd January, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. His funeral is scheduled for Friday, 23rd January at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Piazza della Repubblica, Rome, beginning at 11 am.
From Rome to the World: A Legacy of Elegance
Garavani founded his eponymous luxury fashion house in Rome in 1960, swiftly establishing it as a leading maison de haute couture. His reputation was built on an unwavering commitment to elegance, craftsmanship, and a glamorous aesthetic that captivated the world's most prominent figures for over six decades.
His clientele read like a who's who of 20th and 21st-century icons. He famously designed the wedding gown for former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy for her 1968 marriage to Aristotle Onassis. His cinematic contributions included Audrey Hepburn's white lace gown in the 1966 film How to Steal a Million.
Valentino's creations also defined iconic red-carpet moments, most notably Julia Roberts's vintage black-and-white Y-neck halter gown at the 2001 Oscars, where she won Best Actress. Cate Blanchett also wore a custom pale yellow, one-shoulder silk taffeta Valentino gown when she won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for The Aviator in 2005.
Tributes Pour In for a Master of Style
The announcement has prompted an outpouring of grief and admiration from across the globe. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni led the tributes, posting on X: "Valentino, undisputed master of style and elegance and eternal symbol of Italian high fashion. Today Italy loses a legend, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations. Thank you for everything."
As the fashion world and his countless admirers come to terms with the loss, the focus turns to his immense legacy. Valentino Garavani did not just create clothes; he crafted a universe of beauty and sophistication that transcended trends, cementing his status as one of the most influential designers in history.
