Valentino Garavani, the iconic Italian designer whose creations defined elegance for generations of royals, Hollywood stars, and high society, has died at his home in Rome at the age of 93. Renowned for his signature “Valentino red” and flawless, feminine gowns, he remained a pillar of the fashion world from the 1960s well beyond his retirement in 2008.
Dressing Legends and Royals
Universally known simply as Valentino, the designer was beloved by stars and royalty alike, including Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Julia Roberts, Queen Rania of Jordan, and Princess Diana. “I know what women want,” he once said. “They want to be beautiful.” His fail-safe, elegant designs made him the go-to for red-carpet glamour, from Julia Roberts’ black-and-white column gown at the 2001 Oscars to Cate Blanchett’s butter-yellow one-shouldered dress in 2004. Valentino also created Jacqueline Kennedy’s lace wedding dress for her marriage to Aristotle Onassis and maintained decades-long friendships with his clients, ensuring they always looked their best. His trademarks—bows, lace, ruffles, and embroidery—added delicate, feminine touches that enhanced every wearer’s beauty.
From Cinema Dreams to Global Fashion Icon
Born in Voghera, northern Italy, on May 11, 1932, Valentino credited his love of cinema as a driving force behind his eye for beauty. After studying fashion in Milan and Paris, he worked for designers Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche before founding his own house on Rome’s Via Condotti in 1959. Early admirers included Italian screen icons Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren, as well as Hollywood stars Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. American Vogue editor Diana Vreeland also recognized his talent, helping Valentino achieve international renown.
A Life of Glamour and Influence
Valentino lived the jet-set lifestyle of his elite clientele alongside longtime partner Giancarlo Giammetti. Their residences spanned Rome, Paris, New York, London, Capri, and Gstaad, Switzerland. He owned a 46-metre yacht, a 17th-century château in Paris with over a million roses, and an art collection featuring Picasso and Miró. Valentino and Giammetti traveled with their beloved pugs and entertained A-list friends including Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Over decades, Valentino expanded his empire to include ready-to-wear, menswear, and accessories. He and Giammetti sold the brand for an estimated $300 million in 1998, though Valentino remained in a design role for another ten years. His work has been celebrated in retrospectives at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and documented in the 2008 film Valentino: The Last Emperor.
Valentino’s body will lie in repose at the foundation’s headquarters in Rome on Wednesday and Thursday, with his funeral taking place on Friday, January 23, at 11:00 a.m. at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome.
