Italian couture legend Valentino Garavani has died at the age of 93, marking the end of an era for high fashion shaped by spectacle, glamour and unapologetic luxury.
Valentino, one of the defining designers of the 20th century, dressed generations of global icons, from Hollywood royalty to political power players. His designs were worn by Elizabeth Taylor, Nancy Reagan, Sharon Stone, Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow and many others, cementing his reputation as a master of red-carpet drama and refined excess.
He co-founded the Valentino fashion house in 1960 and rose to the very top of his profession, standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow titans Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld as part of fashion’s elite inner circle.
The Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation confirmed his death in a statement shared on Instagram, saying: "He passed away peacefully in his Roman home, surrounded by the love of his family."
The foundation announced that Valentino will lie in state at Rome’s Piazza Mignanelli between 21 and 22 January, allowing the public to pay their respects. His funeral service will take place the following day at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs.
Born in Lombardy in May 1932, Valentino built his identity around grandeur, wealth and opulence. At just 17, he moved to Paris to train at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, later honing his craft under legendary designers including Jacques Fath, Balenciaga, Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche.
A turning point in his career came with the creation of his signature shade, "Valentino red", inspired by a trip to Spain. The colour became synonymous with the brand and propelled it to international fame, notably through the debut of the iconic fiesta dress. The hue was so central to his legacy that for his final collection in 2008, every model appeared in red for the closing finale.
Beyond the runway, Valentino’s influence reached into historic moments. He designed the wedding dress worn by Princess Madeleine of Sweden when she married British-American financier Christopher O'Neill in June 2013.
His lifetime impact was formally recognised in December 2023, when he received the outstanding achievement award at the British Fashion Awards at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Reflecting on his legacy, former British Vogue editor-in-chief Alexandra Shulman told BBC Radio 4’s PM programme that every element of Valentino’s work "epitomised glamour and luxury".
"It is very sad news because he was one of the last of the great designers of the modern day and I think his main contribution will be that he was what people wanted a fashion designer to be," she said.
"He really didn't care that much that he wasn't the most fashionable, the most cutting-edge designer, he just wanted to produce clothes that were beautiful - and they were."
Shulman also highlighted his enduring relationships with famous clients, noting: "He also kept his celebrity customers for a long time, he started off with people like Jacqueline Kennedy who wore Valentino when she was in mourning."
She pointed to his continued relevance in Hollywood, listing long-time supporters such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Lopez.
"He was helped in later years by the red carpet [becoming] such a thing, because that's what his clothes were about," Shulman said.
"They weren't something you slipped on to go to the office - they were really fabulous gowns."