Renowned Italian fashion maestro Valentino Garavani has passed away at the age of 93 in Rome, surrounded by his loved ones as confirmed by Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti. His body will lie in state at PM23 in Piazza Mignanelli 23 before his funeral at Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Piazza della Repubblica 8.
Valentino founded his iconic fashion house in 1959, becoming one of the most enduring couturiers of the 20th and 21st centuries. He formed a significant partnership with Giancarlo Giammetti in 1960, both in business and romance, lasting 12 years.
His clientele boasted prominent figures such as Diana, Princess of Wales, Jennifer Lopez, Joan Collins, Andy Warhol, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, and Julia Roberts. Supermodel Naomi once hailed Valentino as “the last maestro” for his exquisite designs, with Oprah Winfrey reminiscing about wearing a Valentino gown to the 1994 Emmys.
Valentino’s creations have graced celebrities like Zendaya and Carey Mulligan, with notable works including the wedding dresses for Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor. His close bond with Jackie Kennedy evolved into a lifelong friendship, characterized by mutual admiration for each other’s style.
Valentino’s designs were renowned for their ability to enhance a woman’s beauty, a testament to his vision of creating sophisticated and elegant attire. Born in 1932 in Voghera, Italy, he honed his craft at prestigious fashion institutions before opening his own fashion house in Rome. His signature red dresses, famously known as “Valentino red,” gained international recognition.
The fashion world mourned Valentino’s passing, with many expressing their condolences on social media. Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue, fondly recalled her last memory of Valentino, emphasizing his delightful personality and impeccable manners.
Valentino’s legacy as a visionary in the fashion industry lives on, leaving an indelible mark on the world of haute couture.