The Italian capital of Rome witnessed a poignant and star-studded farewell on Friday as the fashion world united to honour the legendary designer Valentino Garavani. The funeral service, held at the historic Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, marked the culmination of two days of public tributes at the Valentino foundation's headquarters, drawing both industry titans and members of the public to celebrate the life of the internationally acclaimed couturier.
A Gathering of Fashion Royalty and Hollywood Elite
Among the mourners were some of the most influential names in global fashion and entertainment. Designers Tom Ford and Donatella Versace were present, alongside Vogue's formidable editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway. The attendance of such prominent figures underscored Valentino's profound impact across multiple creative industries, from haute couture to cinema.
A Legacy of Dressing Icons
Valentino Garavani, who passed away at his Rome residence on Monday at the age of 93, was renowned for dressing generations of royalty, first ladies, and celebrities throughout his illustrious career. His clientele included iconic figures such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Jordan's Queen Rania, and actress Julia Roberts, who consistently praised the designer for his ability to make them feel and look their absolute best.
Hundreds of admirers had already paid their respects to the man often described as the "last emperor" of Italian fashion during the public viewing. While Valentino maintained his atelier in Rome, his collections were frequently unveiled in Paris, cementing his status as a global fashion force. His opulent gowns became synonymous with red carpet glamour, gracing numerous Academy Awards ceremonies over the decades.
Memorable Oscar Moments
Two particularly memorable Valentino creations highlighted his enduring influence on Hollywood fashion. Julia Roberts wore a vintage black and white column dress when she accepted her best actress Oscar in 2001, while Cate Blanchett chose a butter-yellow silk, one-shouldered creation for her best supporting actress win in 2005. These moments exemplified how Valentino's designs became integral to cinematic history.
Heartfelt Tributes from Friends and Colleagues
Tributes poured in from leading figures across various industries, reflecting the breadth of Valentino's personal and professional relationships. His long-time partner Giancarlo Giammetti was joined by models Elizabeth Hurley and Linda Evangelista, and reality television star Kim Kardashian in mourning the designer's passing.
Elizabeth Hurley shared a particularly moving tribute, stating: "Thirty years of extraordinary friendship... Valentino was eternally kind and generous to me and my son Damian, whom Valentino called 'The Little Prince'. I will cherish our time together for the rest of my life."
An End of an Era
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who wore a Valentino gown for her 2018 wedding to Brad Falchuk as well as a bright pink long-sleeved dress at the 2013 Met Gala, expressed that the news felt like the "end of an era." In an Instagram post, she reflected: "I was so lucky to know and love Valentino – to know the real man, in private. The man who was in love with beauty, his family, his muses, his friends. His dogs, his gardens, and a good Hollywood story."
Official Recognition from Italian Leadership
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was among the first to pay official tribute to the couturier, describing him in a social media post as the "undisputed master of style and elegance" and an "eternal symbol of Italian high fashion." She added: "Today Italy loses a legend, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations. Thank you for everything."
The funeral service in Rome not only marked the passing of a fashion icon but also celebrated a remarkable life that spanned nearly a century of creativity, innovation, and unparalleled elegance. As the fashion world says goodbye to one of its true legends, Valentino's influence on style, culture, and the very fabric of Italian identity remains indelibly woven into history.
