Valentino Garavani: Fashion World Bids Farewell to the Last Emperor of Italian Couture
Published 23 January 2026
Highlights
- Valentino Garavani, the iconic Italian fashion designer, passed away at 93, with his funeral held in Rome's Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs.
- Notable figures such as Anna Wintour, Elizabeth Hurley, and Anne Hathaway attended the service, with many mourners wearing black.
- Valentino's signature "Valentino red" was honored by Vogue Italia and mourners like Donatella Versace, highlighting its lasting impact on fashion.
- Valentino's career, which began in the 1950s, saw him dressing Hollywood royalty and creating iconic red-carpet gowns.
- His ashes will be interred at Rome's Flaminio Cemetery, and a tribute is expected at the upcoming couture show in Paris.
The fashion world gathered in Rome on Friday to bid farewell to Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian designer known for his timeless elegance and the iconic "Valentino red." The funeral, held at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs, drew a constellation of stars from the realms of fashion and film, including Anna Wintour, Elizabeth Hurley, and Anne Hathaway.
Valentino, who passed away at the age of 93, left an indelible mark on the fashion industry with a career that began in the 1950s. His designs graced the likes of Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, and Princess Diana, cementing his status as a designer for the elite. The service followed two days of public viewing at his foundation's headquarters, where admirers paid their respects.
A Tribute in Red
While mourners predominantly wore black, the distinctive shade of "Valentino red" was a poignant presence. Donatella Versace, a fellow designer and friend, donned a bright red suit, paying homage to the color that Valentino first introduced in his 1959 collection. This vibrant hue, described by fashion writer Charlie Porter as having "real sensitivity and depth," has become synonymous with Valentino's legacy.
Vogue Italia also honored the designer by dedicating its February cover to Valentino red, selecting Pantone shade 2347C for its vibrancy and light. Francesca Ragazzi, the magazine's head of content, emphasized the color's enduring appeal, noting its ability to flatter a range of skin tones.
A Lasting Legacy
Valentino's influence extended beyond his designs; he was a master of creating moments that transcended fashion. His gowns became fixtures on red carpets, worn by stars like Julia Roberts and Cate Blanchett. As his coffin, surrounded by white roses and lilies, was carried into the basilica to the strains of Mozart, it was clear that his impact would endure.
The fashion industry is expected to pay further tribute at the upcoming couture show in Paris, a fitting farewell to a designer often hailed as the last emperor of Italian fashion. Valentino's ashes will be interred at Rome's Flaminio Cemetery, marking the end of an era.
What this might mean
Valentino's passing marks a significant moment for the fashion industry, as it reflects on his contributions and the enduring appeal of his designs. The upcoming couture show in Paris will likely serve as a platform for designers to honor his legacy, potentially influencing future collections with his signature style.
Experts suggest that Valentino's influence will continue to be felt in the fashion world, particularly through the continued use of "Valentino red," a color that has become a symbol of elegance and sophistication. As the industry evolves, Valentino's timeless designs and the stories they tell will remain a benchmark for aspiring designers and fashion enthusiasts alike.
