Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian designer whose elegant gowns became synonymous with timeless beauty, has died at his home in Rome at the age of 93. Revered for his refined style and his instinctive understanding of how to dress women, Valentino leaves behind a legacy that shaped global fashion for more than half a century.
The Designer Who Dressed the World’s Most Famous Women
Known simply as Valentino, he built a devoted following among royalty, first ladies and Hollywood stars. From Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Princess Diana to Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett and Queen Rania of Jordan, his clients trusted him to make them feel confident and radiant on the world’s biggest stages.
Valentino famously said he knew what women wanted, adding simply that they wanted to be beautiful. His designs avoided shock value, instead relying on impeccable tailoring, luxurious fabrics and romantic details. He became the undisputed king of the red carpet, with his gowns appearing at countless Academy Awards and historic public moments, including Jackie Kennedy’s 1968 wedding dress.
His signature “Valentino red” became one of the most recognisable colours in fashion, joined by other hallmarks such as bows, lace, ruffles and delicate embroidery that celebrated femininity without excess.
From Cinema Dreams to Couture Royalty
Born on May 11, 1932, in the northern Italian town of Voghera, Valentino traced his love of fashion back to childhood trips to the cinema. Enchanted by movie stars and their flawless appearance, he set his sights on creating beauty himself.
After studying in Milan and Paris, he trained under renowned designers Jean Desses and Guy Laroche before opening his own fashion house on Rome’s Via Condotti in 1959. Early supporters included Italian film icons Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren, as well as Hollywood legends Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. Influential Vogue editor Diana Vreeland also championed the young designer, helping elevate him onto the international stage.
A Life of Beauty, Elegance and Enduring Influence
Valentino lived much like the glamorous clients he dressed. Impeccably turned out and famously tanned, he split his time between homes in Rome, Paris, New York, London, Capri and Gstaad, often travelling with longtime partner Giancarlo Giammetti and their beloved pugs. His lifestyle included a grand château near Paris, a vast rose garden, a luxury yacht and an art collection featuring Picasso and Miró.
The Valentino brand expanded over the years to include ready-to-wear, menswear and accessories. In 1998, Valentino and Giammetti sold the company for an estimated $300 million, though the designer remained creatively involved until his retirement in 2008.
His career was celebrated through major museum exhibitions and the acclaimed documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor, which chronicled his final years in fashion.
Valentino’s body will lie in repose at his foundation’s headquarters in Rome on Wednesday and Thursday. His funeral will be held on Friday, January 23, at 11:00 at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome, marking the farewell to a man who made elegance his life’s work.
