Valentino Garavani: A Legacy of Italian Glamour and Elegance
Published 19 January 2026
Highlights
- Valentino Garavani, the iconic Italian fashion designer, passed away at 93, leaving a lasting legacy in luxury fashion.
- Known for his signature "Valentino red," his designs were favored by celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Jackie Kennedy.
- Valentino co-founded his fashion house in 1960, becoming a symbol of Italian glamour alongside Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld.
- His funeral will be held at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs in Rome, following a public viewing at Piazza Mignanelli.
- Valentino's influence on red carpet fashion remains significant, with his creations worn by stars such as Julia Roberts and Gwyneth Paltrow.
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Rewritten Article
Valentino Garavani: A Legacy of Italian Glamour and Elegance
Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian fashion designer renowned for his opulent creations and signature "Valentino red," has died at the age of 93. His passing marks the end of an era in luxury fashion, where his influence was felt across red carpets and high society events worldwide.
A Fashion Icon's Journey
Born in Lombardy in 1932, Valentino's journey into the world of fashion began at a young age. He moved to Paris at 17 to study at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, honing his skills under the tutelage of renowned designers like Jacques Fath and Guy Laroche. In 1960, he co-founded the Valentino fashion house, quickly establishing himself as a master of elegance and luxury.
Valentino's designs became synonymous with glamour, attracting a devoted celebrity clientele. His creations were worn by iconic figures such as Elizabeth Taylor, Nancy Reagan, and Jackie Kennedy, who famously donned a Valentino wedding dress for her marriage to Aristotle Onassis in 1968. The designer's aesthetic was characterized by a bold use of color, particularly his signature red, which became a hallmark of his brand.
A Lasting Influence on Fashion
Valentino's impact on the fashion industry extended beyond his retirement in 2008. His designs continued to grace red carpets, worn by stars like Julia Roberts and Gwyneth Paltrow. The designer's commitment to beauty and elegance was unwavering, as noted by Alexandra Shulman, former editor-in-chief of British Vogue, who described him as epitomizing glamour and luxury.
In December 2023, Valentino was honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award at the British Fashion Awards, a testament to his enduring influence on the industry. Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, paid tribute to him, acknowledging his role as an "undisputed master of style and elegance."
Farewell to a Fashion Legend
Valentino's body will lie in state at Rome's Piazza Mignanelli on January 21 and 22, allowing the public to pay their respects. His funeral service will be held at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs, a fitting farewell for a designer who shaped the world of high fashion.
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Scenario Analysis
Valentino Garavani's passing leaves a significant void in the fashion industry, yet his legacy is poised to inspire future generations of designers. The continued popularity of his designs on red carpets and among celebrities underscores the timeless appeal of his work. As the fashion world reflects on his contributions, there may be renewed interest in his archives and a potential resurgence of his iconic styles.
The Valentino fashion house, now under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli, is likely to continue honoring its founder's vision while adapting to contemporary trends. Valentino's influence on luxury fashion and his signature red will remain enduring symbols of elegance and sophistication, ensuring his place in the pantheon of fashion greats.
Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian fashion designer renowned for his opulent creations and signature "Valentino red," has died at the age of 93. His passing marks the end of an era in luxury fashion, where his influence was felt across red carpets and high society events worldwide.
A Fashion Icon's Journey
Born in Lombardy in 1932, Valentino's journey into the world of fashion began at a young age. He moved to Paris at 17 to study at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, honing his skills under the tutelage of renowned designers like Jacques Fath and Guy Laroche. In 1960, he co-founded the Valentino fashion house, quickly establishing himself as a master of elegance and luxury.
Valentino's designs became synonymous with glamour, attracting a devoted celebrity clientele. His creations were worn by iconic figures such as Elizabeth Taylor, Nancy Reagan, and Jackie Kennedy, who famously donned a Valentino wedding dress for her marriage to Aristotle Onassis in 1968. The designer's aesthetic was characterized by a bold use of color, particularly his signature red, which became a hallmark of his brand.
A Lasting Influence on Fashion
Valentino's impact on the fashion industry extended beyond his retirement in 2008. His designs continued to grace red carpets, worn by stars like Julia Roberts and Gwyneth Paltrow. The designer's commitment to beauty and elegance was unwavering, as noted by Alexandra Shulman, former editor-in-chief of British Vogue, who described him as epitomizing glamour and luxury.
In December 2023, Valentino was honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award at the British Fashion Awards, a testament to his enduring influence on the industry. Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, paid tribute to him, acknowledging his role as an "undisputed master of style and elegance."
Farewell to a Fashion Legend
Valentino's body will lie in state at Rome's Piazza Mignanelli on January 21 and 22, allowing the public to pay their respects. His funeral service will be held at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs, a fitting farewell for a designer who shaped the world of high fashion.
What this might mean
Valentino Garavani's passing leaves a significant void in the fashion industry, yet his legacy is poised to inspire future generations of designers. The continued popularity of his designs on red carpets and among celebrities underscores the timeless appeal of his work. As the fashion world reflects on his contributions, there may be renewed interest in his archives and a potential resurgence of his iconic styles.
The Valentino fashion house, now under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli, is likely to continue honoring its founder's vision while adapting to contemporary trends. Valentino's influence on luxury fashion and his signature red will remain enduring symbols of elegance and sophistication, ensuring his place in the pantheon of fashion greats.
