The Italian capital is immersed in a poignant farewell as Rome pays its final, heartfelt tribute to the legendary designer Valentino Garavani, universally known simply as Valentino. The fashion world's 'Emperor,' who passed away at the age of 93 in his Rome residence on Monday, is being honoured with a two-day public viewing, allowing admirers to pay their respects to the man who transformed high-glamour gowns and his trademark shade of red into enduring symbols of Italian elegance and sophistication.
A Roman Farewell for an Iconic Designer
Valentino Garavani will lie in state at his foundation in Piazza Mignanelli on Wednesday and Thursday, a location situated just a few steps away from the world-renowned Spanish Steps, deeply embedding this tribute within the heart of the city he called home. His funeral is scheduled for Friday in the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, a significant central Rome church, marking a solemn conclusion to the commemorations. Hundreds of fashion celebrities, civic authorities, and regular citizens are anticipated to gather, honouring the 'last emperor' of Italian fashion whose influence spanned generations.
Valentino's Enduring Legacy and Roman Roots
The designer's profound connection to Rome was a cornerstone of his life and career. He founded the House of Valentino on Rome's prestigious Via Condotti in 1959, and despite unveiling many of his collections in Paris, he steadfastly maintained his atelier in the Italian capital. Rome's mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, hailed Valentino as one of 'Italy's most luminous and beloved figures,' emphasising the designer's indelible links to the city. Valentino's career, which eschewed edginess for timeless elegance, stretched nearly half a century from his early days in 1960s Rome to his retirement in 2008.
The Red Carpet King and His Celebrity Devotees
Valentino's fail-safe, sumptuous designs cemented his status as the undisputed king of the red carpet, making him the go-to designer for A-list celebrities seeking to look and feel their absolute best. His clientele included generations of royals, first ladies, and movie stars, from Jackie Kennedy Onassis to Queen Rania of Jordan and Julia Roberts. Notably, Roberts wore a vintage black and white Valentino column dress to accept her Best Actress Oscar in 2001, while Cate Blanchett chose a butter-yellow silk Valentino gown for her Best Supporting Actress win in 2005, showcasing his gowns on cinema's grandest stage.
Looking to the Future of the Fashion House
As the fashion world mourns, the House of Valentino looks forward, with current creative director Alessandro Michele reflecting on the designer's lasting influence. Michele wrote on Instagram that he continues to feel Valentino's 'gaze' as he works on the next collection, which will be presented on March 12 in Rome—a departure from the usual Paris venue, symbolising a return to the brand's roots. This move underscores the enduring legacy of a designer whose vision of elegance and glamour will continue to inspire the fashion industry for years to come.
