Rome Gathers to Honour Fashion Emperor Valentino Garavani
The city of Rome is currently observing two days of solemn tribute to the legendary fashion designer Valentino Garavani, who passed away at his Roman residence on Monday at the age of 93. The Italian capital, which served as both his home and creative headquarters for decades, is hosting a public viewing at the Valentino Foundation in Piazza Mignanelli, located mere steps from the iconic Spanish Steps.
Final Farewell to an Italian Icon
Hundreds of fashion industry luminaries, public figures, and ordinary citizens are expected to pay their respects during the Wednesday and Thursday viewing sessions. The designer, universally known by his first name alone, will lie in state at the foundation he established, creating an opportunity for admirers to honour the man whose creations defined elegance for generations.
Rome's mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, has described Valentino as "one of Italy's most luminous and beloved figures," emphasising the designer's deep-rooted connection to the Eternal City. Despite frequently presenting his collections in Paris, Valentino maintained his primary atelier in Rome throughout his career, cementing his status as a true Roman creative force.
A Legacy of Glamour and Red Carpet Dominance
Valentino's extraordinary career spanned nearly five decades, beginning with the establishment of his fashion house on Rome's prestigious Via Condotti in 1959. His signature shade of red became synonymous with Italian luxury, while his high-glamour gowns adorned royalty, first ladies, and Hollywood's brightest stars.
Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Julia Roberts, and Queen Rania of Jordan were among the many prominent figures who consistently turned to Valentino for his unparalleled ability to make them "look and feel their best." His designs became the undisputed choice for red carpet events, particularly during awards season.
The designer's influence on cinematic fashion history includes two particularly memorable Oscar moments:
- In 2001, when Julia Roberts accepted her Best Actress award wearing a vintage black and white column gown
- In 2005, when Cate Blanchett chose a one-shouldered butter-yellow silk creation for her Best Supporting Actress win
Continuing Influence and Future Presentations
The Valentino fashion house continues to feel its founder's presence, according to current creative director Alessandro Michele. In a recent Instagram post, Michele revealed that he still senses Valentino's "gaze" as he prepares the upcoming collection, scheduled for presentation on 12 March.
Notably, this collection will debut in Rome rather than the brand's usual Paris venue, marking a symbolic return to the designer's roots. The funeral service itself is scheduled for Friday at the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in central Rome, providing a final opportunity for the fashion world and public to bid farewell to the man often called the "last emperor" of Italian fashion.
As Rome mourns, the city's fashion community reflects on Valentino's enduring legacy - one that transformed Italian design into a global phenomenon while maintaining an unbreakable bond with the capital that inspired his most iconic creations.
