The Italian stylist and great couturier Valentino Garavani, known worldwide as Valentino, died at the age of 93 on Monday, the Italian news agency Ansa announced in a statement picked up by several international media.
Valentino died in Rome, at his home, surrounded by his family, his foundation announced in an official statement. The passing of this iconic designer marks the end of an era in the world of haute couture.
Born on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, Lombardy, Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani began his career in Paris, where he studied at the École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture before working for prestigious fashion houses such as Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche. He founded his own fashion house in Rome in 1960, which quickly became known for its elegant designs and distinctive use of red, a color that became a hallmark of his brand.
Over the decades, Valentino established himself as one of the most influential designers of the 20th century, dressing an international clientele that included royalty, Hollywood celebrities, and high society figures. His designs were notably worn by Jacqueline Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, and other style icons, helping to make his name a symbol of timeless glamour.
His fashion house, which has become a leading player in the global fashion industry, has also diversified into perfumes and cosmetics, and its influence extends far beyond the catwalk. After a career spanning nearly fifty years, Valentino retired from creative direction in 2008, leaving a lasting mark on the industry.
Funeral scheduled for January 23
According to official statements, a funeral chamber will be set up in Piazza Mignanelli in Rome on January 21 and 22, before the funeral scheduled for January 23 at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri.
