The Italian capital of Rome is observing a solemn day of mourning as the global fashion community gathers to bid a final farewell to one of its most legendary figures. The funeral service for Valentino Garavani, the iconic designer known mononymously as Valentino, is taking place at the historic Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in central Rome on Friday, 23 January 2026.
A Legacy of Glamour and Italian Elegance
Valentino Garavani passed away peacefully on Monday, 19 January, at the distinguished age of 93. A statement released by the Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti confirmed his passing, noting he was "surrounded by his loved ones" at the time. Throughout his illustrious six-decade career, Valentino established an unparalleled legacy, transforming his high-glamour gowns and signature "Valentino red" into universal symbols of Italian sophistication and elegance.
Public Tributes and Celebrity Mourners
The funeral follows two days of public viewing at the Valentino foundation's headquarters in Rome, where an estimated 10,000 people queued to pay their respects. The emotional viewing even included his beloved pugs, highlighting the personal connection many felt to the designer. Now, the service itself is drawing a constellation of global celebrities and fashion royalty to the basilica.
Among the famous faces gathered to honour the late designer are Hollywood stars Anne Hathaway and Elizabeth Hurley. They are joined by some of the most influential figures in the fashion industry, including Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue. Numerous designers who worked under Valentino's guidance to bring his visionary creations to life are also in attendance, underscoring his profound impact on generations of talent.
A Career Defined by Iconic Clients and Timeless Style
Valentino's clientele read like a who's who of international high society. His designs were favoured by generations of royalty, first ladies, and A-list celebrities, cementing his status as a true arbiter of elegance. By building his eponymous fashion house in Rome, he inextricably linked his brand with the eternal city's heritage of art and beauty. Today's funeral is not just a goodbye to a man, but a tribute to an era of fashion he defined with unwavering commitment to luxury and craft.
The atmosphere in Rome is one of profound respect and nostalgia as the world watches the final chapter for a man whose name became synonymous with red-carpet glamour and Italian dolce vita. His influence on the global fashion landscape remains indelible, celebrated today by both the public and the elite who admired his work.
