Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, known professionally as Valentino, has died at the age of 93. His foundation announced his passing, stating he died peacefully in his Roman residence surrounded by loved ones. Garavani, a prominent figure in fashion for nearly half a century, was recognized for his high-glamour designs and his signature "Valentino red."
Death and Announcement
Valentino Garavani, the Italian fashion designer, passed away at the age of 93. Reports from the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation indicated he died peacefully in his Roman residence, surrounded by family. The announcement was communicated via Instagram. One report specified the death occurred on a Monday, while another mentioned it happened over the weekend.
Funeral Services
A funeral service for Valentino Garavani took place on Friday in Rome, held at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs (also referred to as Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri). Crowds gathered for the service, which was attended by notable individuals including celebrities Elizabeth Hurley, Anne Hathaway, and Tom Ford.
Prior to the funeral, differing reports were released regarding arrangements for the lying in state. One source stated his body was scheduled to repose at Piazza Mignanelli from January 21 to 22. Another report indicated his body was scheduled to repose at the foundation's headquarters in Rome on Wednesday and Thursday.
Life and Career
Born Valentino Garavani, he was named after silent movie star Rudolph Valentino. He developed an early appreciation for luxury and fashion, with his parents supporting his ambitions by funding his education and initial ventures. He learned sewing from his Aunt Rosa in Lombardy before pursuing fashion studies through apprenticeships in Paris.
Garavani founded his label and opened his first couture studio in Rome in 1960. That same year, he met Giancarlo Giammetti, who became his business partner. While their romantic relationship concluded when Garavani was 30, they maintained a business partnership and close friendship. Giammetti managed the business operations, while Garavani served as the creative director. Giammetti stated that Garavani's objective was to enhance women's beauty through his designs. The company's first ready-to-wear shop opened in Milan in 1969, and over five decades, they developed a global fashion enterprise.
The Valentino company was sold in 1998 for approximately $300 million, and by 2021, it had generated $1.36 billion in revenue. Garavani retired from his main design role in 2008 but continued to design dresses for opera productions.
Legacy and Influence
Valentino Garavani was a prominent figure in fashion for nearly half a century, considered one of the last influential designers from an era preceding significant commercialization of the industry. He was often ranked alongside designers such as Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld.
He was widely recognized for his high-glamour gowns, often featuring his signature "Valentino red." His designs were characterized by sophistication, elegance, traditional femininity, romance, and luxury, embodying an aristocratic lifestyle. He was also known for his crisp suits and a dedication to glamour and beauty.
Throughout his career, his creations were favored by numerous public figures and celebrities, including Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Julia Roberts, Queen Rania of Jordan, Audrey Hepburn, Anna Wintour, Gwyneth Paltrow, Zendaya, Princess Diana, Keira Knightley, and Halle Berry. His designs frequently appeared on red carpets, including the Academy Awards, worn by actresses such as Julia Roberts in 2001 and Cate Blanchett in 2004.