ROME (FN) — Valentino Garavani, the Italian fashion designer whose glamorous gowns and signature “Valentino red” defined elegance for decades, has died at his home in Rome. He was 93, his foundation announced Monday.
Early Life and Education
Valentino was born in Voghera, Italy, in 1932. Fascinated by fashion from a young age, he moved to Paris to study design at the École des Beaux-Arts and the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. His training in France gave him a foundation in haute couture that would shape his career.
Founding of the Valentino House
In 1960, Valentino opened his fashion house in Rome. His debut collections quickly attracted international attention for their elegance and precision. By the mid‑1960s, he was dressing Jacqueline Kennedy, who became one of his most famous clients and helped propel him onto the global stage.
The Rise of “Valentino Red”
Valentino became synonymous with a bold shade of crimson that came to be known as “Valentino red.” He described the color as symbolizing power, passion and glamour. His gowns in this hue became iconic, worn by celebrities and royalty alike.
Celebrity and Royal Clients
Over the decades, Valentino dressed some of the world’s most famous women, including Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, Julia Roberts, Lady Gaga, and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands. His gowns were fixtures at the Academy Awards, Cannes Film Festival and royal weddings, cementing his reputation as the designer of choice for timeless elegance.
Global Influence
Valentino’s work helped establish Italy as a fashion capital, alongside contemporaries such as Giorgio Armani and Gianni Versace. His designs blended traditional craftsmanship with modern glamour, influencing generations of designers and shaping the image of Italian couture worldwide.
Retirement and Later Years
Valentino officially retired in 2008, staging a lavish farewell show in Rome. Though he stepped back from designing, he remained a revered figure in fashion, attending shows, mentoring young designers and overseeing exhibitions of his work. His foundation in Rome became a hub for preserving his legacy.
Tributes and Legacy
Following his death, tributes poured in from across the fashion world. Designers praised his artistry, while former clients recalled his generosity and charm. “Valentino taught us that fashion could be both classic and daring,” one industry leader said. His influence continues through the Valentino brand, now led by new creative directors.
Funeral Arrangements
Valentino’s body will lie in repose at the Valentino Foundation headquarters in Rome on Wednesday and Thursday. A funeral service is scheduled for Friday in the Italian capital, where admirers are expected to gather to honor his life and work.
Survived By
Valentino is survived by his longtime business partner Giancarlo Giammetti, who helped build the Valentino brand into a global powerhouse. Together, they created a fashion house that remains a symbol of Italian elegance and continues to inspire designers worldwide.
