Leading figures in international fashion joined the public on Friday to bid farewell to the iconic designer Valentino, at his funeral held in Rome, in the central basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri.
After two days of public mourning on Wednesday and Thursday at the Valentino Foundation headquarters in the Italian capital, the funeral ceremony marked the final tribute paid to the world-renowned designer.
Big names in fashion, including designers Tom Ford and Donatella Versace, as well asAnna Wintour, a key figure in Vogue magazine, were present, alongside Hollywood stars like Anne Hathaway.
A designer adored by celebrities and royalty
Valentino Garavani, who died on Monday at the age of 93 in his Roman residence, was admired by generations of crowned heads, first ladies and celebrities, including Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Queen Rania of Jordan and Julia Roberts, who claimed that the designer always made them feel and look their best.
The Last Emperor
Hundreds of people have already paid tribute to the man nicknamed the "last emperor" of Italian fashion during the funeral chapel. Valentino always kept his workshop in Rome, while presenting the majority of his collections in Paris.
Her sumptuous gowns have graced countless Oscar ceremonies, most notably in 2001 when Julia Roberts wore a vintage black and white column dress to accept the Best Actress Oscar. Cate Blanchett also chose a Valentino creation, an asymmetrical butter-yellow silk gown, when she won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 2005.
