Valentino Garavani, the celebrated Italian designer whose name became synonymous with elegance and glamour, has passed away at his home in Rome. Known for his signature “Valentino red” gowns and flawless tailoring, he spent decades dressing royalty, film stars, and high-profile figures, earning his place as the undisputed king of the red carpet.
A Life Dedicated to Beauty and Elegance
Valentino famously said, “I know what women want. They want to be beautiful.” His creations reflected this philosophy, blending sophistication with feminine charm. From Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ lace wedding dress for her marriage to Aristotle Onassis to Julia Roberts’ vintage black-and-white gown at the 2001 Oscars, Valentino’s designs have become timeless symbols of glamour. Princess Diana, Cate Blanchett, and Queen Rania of Jordan also relied on his creations for their most memorable appearances, trusting him to make them look and feel their best.
His style was defined by luxurious fabrics, delicate bows, ruffles, lace, embroidery, and, of course, his iconic red. Valentino’s designs avoided fleeting trends, making him a constant presence on award-show red carpets for decades.
From Cinema Dreams to Global Fashion House
Born on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, northern Italy, Valentino’s passion for beauty and style was inspired by cinema. After studying in Milan and Paris, he worked with renowned designers Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche before founding his own fashion house on Rome’s Via Condotti in 1959. Early clients included Italian screen icons Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren, as well as Hollywood legends Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. Influential Vogue editor Diana Vreeland also supported the young designer, helping him gain international acclaim.
Over the years, Valentino expanded his empire to include ready-to-wear, menswear, and accessories. He and longtime partner Giancarlo Giammetti sold the label in 1998 but remained deeply involved in its creative direction for another decade.
A Jet-Set Lifestyle and Lasting Legacy
Valentino’s life mirrored the glamour of his designs. He and Giammetti traveled between homes in Rome, Paris, New York, London, Capri, and Switzerland, often accompanied by their beloved pugs. He collected art, owned a 46-metre yacht, and maintained a 17th-century château near Paris with over a million roses. He socialized with A-list friends, including Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow, embracing the jet-set lifestyle of his clientele.
Valentino’s career was celebrated in museum retrospectives, including one at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, and documented in the 2008 film Valentino: The Last Emperor.
His body will lie in repose at the Valentino Foundation headquarters in Rome on Wednesday and Thursday, with his funeral scheduled for Friday, January 23, at 11:00 a.m. at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome.
