The world of haute couture has lost one of its most luminous stars. Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian designer who defined global elegance for over half a century, has passed away in Rome at the age of 93. His death on Monday, 19 January 2026, was met with an outpouring of grief from the fashion capitals of the world, signalling the end of a golden age of craftsmanship and glamour.
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From Lombardy to the Palaces of Paris
Born in 1932 in Northern Italy, Valentino’s destiny was forged in the ateliers of Paris. At just 17, he ventured to the French capital to study at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. After honing his skills under the tutelage of Jacques Fath and Jean Dessès, he returned to Italy in 1960 to establish Maison Valentino.
Alongside his business partner, Giancarlo Giammetti, Valentino transformed a small Roman atelier into a global powerhouse. He was a designer who eschewed the avant-garde in favour of the exquisitely beautiful, famously stating, “I know what women want. They want to be beautiful.”
The Legacy of Valentino: A Career Snapshot
| Milestone | Decade | Key Impact |
| Launch in Rome | 1960s | Blended Parisian couture techniques with Italian sensuality. |
| The “V” Logo | 1968 | Revolutionised branding with the “White Collection”. |
| “Valentino Red” | Ongoing | Created a signature shade of $100\%$ magenta and $100\%$ yellow. |
| Hollywood’s Choice | 1990s | Became the “King of the Red Carpet” for the Academy Awards. |
| Lifetime Honour | 2023 | Awarded for Outstanding Achievement at the British Fashion Awards. |
Dressing the Century’s Most Famous Women
Valentino’s clientele was a “Who’s Who” of the 20th and 21st centuries. He famously designed the ivory lace gown for Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding to Aristotle Onassis, a dress that remains one of the most imitated in history. His designs were a mainstay for royalty and Hollywood elite alike, including:
Elizabeth Taylor (a lifelong friend and muse)
Princess Diana and Princess Grace of Monaco
Julia Roberts (who wore vintage Valentino to accept her Oscar in 2001)
Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway
A Signature Hue and Global Accolades
No discussion of Valentino is complete without “Valentino Red.” Inspired by a trip to the opera in Barcelona as a young man, the designer became obsessed with a specific, fiery shade of crimson. This colour became a psychological anchor for his brand, representing passion, power, and timeless femininity.
In his later years, Valentino remained a revered figure. In December 2023, he received a standing ovation at London’s Royal Albert Hall during the British Fashion Awards, a final major public accolade for a man who spent 93 years pursuing perfection.
Funeral and Memorial
Valentino’s official Instagram account confirmed that his body will lie in state at the Piazza Mignanelli—adjacent to the Spanish Steps—on Wednesday and Thursday. This square has been the home of his creative headquarters for decades. His funeral will be held on Friday at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, where the fashion world will gather to bid a final addio to the last great emperor of couture.