Reality television stars Kim Kardashian and her mother, Kris Jenner, have joined the global fashion world in mourning the death of iconic designer Valentino Garavani. The Italian couturier, renowned for his timeless elegance and signature red gowns, passed away on Monday at the age of 93.
Personal Tributes on Social Media
Both Kardashian and Jenner, who counted Garavani as a dear friend, posted emotional farewells on their Instagram accounts. Their personal photographs offered a glimpse into their long-standing relationship with the fashion legend, setting their tributes apart from the many posted by other Hollywood and industry figures like Gwyneth Paltrow and Cindy Crawford.
Kim Kardashian shared a series of intimate snaps to her Instagram Stories. One image showed her deep in conversation with the heavily tanned designer, who was dressed in a classic black suit with a red pocket square. She captioned the photo with a simple broken-heart emoji.
Another, more playful picture featured Kim and her sister Kourtney flanking Valentino as they walked arm-in-arm through a manicured garden, each holding an umbrella over his head. In the shot, Kim turned to stick her tongue out at the camera. "Sweet Valentino. You were magical, so special," she wrote alongside it. "Thank you for your magic. Rest in peace."
Kris Jenner's Heartfelt Homage
Kris Jenner posted her own lengthy tribute on her main Instagram feed, honouring Garavani's professional genius and personal warmth. "Rest in peace to a true legend," she began. "Valentino was more than an icon in fashion, he was a visionary, an artist, a genius, and a gentleman in every sense of the word."
She emphasised their family's close bond with him, writing: "To us, he was also a dear friend. He was warm, generous, kind, and deeply special to our family. We are so grateful for the memories, the love, and the incredible legacy he leaves behind."
Jenner accompanied her words with several photos, including a radiant shot of herself in a red dress standing between Garavani and his longtime partner, Giancarlo Giammetti.
A Nostalgic Look Back at a Family Friendship
The most poignant image shared by Kris was a large group photo from a pre-wedding lunch held at Valentino's French mansion before Kim's marriage to Kanye West. The picture, now a poignant snapshot of fashion history, featured several late icons.
Alongside Garavani stood the formidable fashion journalist André Leon Talley (who died in 2022) and the groundbreaking designer Virgil Abloh (who died in 2021). The Kardashian-Jenner clan, including all sisters and their grandmother, were also present, with every guest dressed in Valentino.
According to Talley's book, Valentino: At the Emperor's Table, the designer was so impressed by Kim's respectfulness when they met at the Met Gala that he offered to host the celebration. In return, the family purchased Valentino outfits for every guest from the brand's store, rather than borrowing them.
Kim Kardashian's connection to the Valentino brand predates her full immersion into high fashion, which was later accelerated by her relationship with Kanye West. Over the years, she has frequently chosen Valentino for major red carpet events, cementing the label's place in her iconic style journey.
