Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian designer whose creations defined glamour for generations of royals, Hollywood stars, and high society, has passed away at his home in Rome at the age of 93. Known for his signature “Valentino red” and exquisitely tailored gowns, he remained a cornerstone of the fashion world from the 1960s through his retirement in 2008.
A Designer Who Knew How to Make Women Shine
Universally recognized by his first name, Valentino built his career around understanding women’s desire to feel beautiful. “I know what women want,” he famously said. From Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Princess Diana to Julia Roberts and Queen Rania of Jordan, his clients trusted him to create gowns that were both elegant and flattering.
Valentino’s timeless approach made him the go-to designer for red-carpet events. His creations have graced countless Academy Awards, including Julia Roberts’ black-and-white column gown in 2001 and Cate Blanchett’s butter-yellow silk dress in 2004. He also designed Jacqueline Kennedy’s long-sleeved lace wedding dress for her marriage to Aristotle Onassis and maintained decades-long friendships with his high-profile clients.
From Cinema-Loving Boy to Fashion Powerhouse
Born on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, northern Italy, Valentino credited his childhood fascination with cinema for inspiring his sense of beauty and style. After studying in Milan and Paris, he worked for French designers Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche before launching his own fashion house on Rome’s Via Condotti in 1959.
His early supporters included Italian screen icons Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren, along with Hollywood stars Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. Legendary Vogue editor Diana Vreeland also championed the young designer, helping him gain international acclaim. His signature aesthetic—bows, ruffles, lace, embroidery, and, of course, his iconic red—became synonymous with femininity and luxury.
A Life of Glamour and Lasting Legacy
Valentino shared the jet-set lifestyle of his clientele with longtime partner Giancarlo Giammetti, moving between homes in Rome, Paris, New York, London, Capri, and Gstaad. Their life included a 46-metre yacht, a Parisian château with over a million roses, and an art collection featuring works by Picasso and Miró. They traveled with their pack of pugs and entertained celebrity friends including Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Over the years, Valentino expanded his brand to include ready-to-wear, menswear, and accessories. In 1998, he and Giammetti sold the label for an estimated $300 million but remained involved in the creative direction for another decade. Valentino’s work has been celebrated in retrospectives, including at Paris’ Musée des Arts Décoratifs, and in the acclaimed documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor.
Valentino’s body will lie in repose at his foundation’s headquarters in Rome on Wednesday and Thursday. His funeral will take place on Friday, January 23, at 11:00 a.m. at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, Piazza della Repubblica, Rome.
