Legendary Designer Valentino Passes Away at 93, Fashion World Mourns
The world of fashion is mourning the loss of one of its true masters. Valentino Garavani, the Italian designer whose name became synonymous with beauty, romance, and timeless elegance, has died at the age of 93. His passing marks the end of an era not just for fashion, but for a way of seeing the world through grace, discipline, and quiet luxury.
In a statement shared by the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation, it was confirmed that Valentino died peacefully at his home in Rome, surrounded by family. It was a gentle farewell for a man whose life was anything but ordinary, filled with creativity, passion, and a relentless pursuit of perfection.
Valentino will lie in state at Piazza Mignanelli on January 21 and 22, giving admirers and members of the public a chance to pay their respects. His funeral will be held the following day at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs, a fitting place to honour someone who has left such a profound and lasting mark on culture.
A Designer Who Defined Beauty
Valentino was not just a designer; he was a storyteller. Through fabric, color, and silhouette, he told stories of confidence, romance, and strength. His designs didn’t chase trends; they created them. For decades, women turned to Valentino when they wanted to feel extraordinary.
From Hollywood royalty to political icons, his client list reads like a cultural history book. Elizabeth Taylor, Nancy Reagan, Sharon Stone, Julia Roberts, and Gwyneth Paltrow all wore his creations. To wear Valentino was not simply to dress well it was to step into a moment of elegance that felt timeless.
He stood among the giants of fashion, often mentioned alongside Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld. Yet Valentino’s voice was uniquely his own, softer, more romantic, and deeply respectful of craftsmanship.
From Small Beginnings to Global Fame
Born in Lombardy in May 1932, Valentino knew from a young age that fashion was his calling. At just 17 years old, he left Italy for Paris, determined to learn from the very best. He enrolled at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, where he immersed himself in the discipline and artistry of haute couture.
Paris shaped him. He worked under legendary designers including Jacques Fath, Balenciaga, Jean Dessès, and Guy Laroche, absorbing lessons that would stay with him for life. Those years taught him that beauty required patience, structure, and respect for tradition.
In 1960, he returned to Italy and co-founded the Valentino fashion house. What began as a dream quickly grew into one of the most respected luxury brands in the world.
The Color That Became a Legacy
If Valentino had a signature, it was red. Inspired by a trip to Spain, he became captivated by the emotional power of the color bold, passionate, and impossible to ignore. That inspiration led to the creation of what would become known worldwide as “Valentino red.”
The shade helped define the brand and became one of fashion’s most iconic symbols. It was confident without being aggressive, sensual without being loud. Over time, Valentino red became inseparable from his name.
When Valentino presented his final couture collection in 2007, he closed the show with all models dressed in red. It wasn’t just a finale, it was a goodbye, wrapped in the color that defined his life’s work.
Knowing When to Step Away
Valentino’s retirement was as graceful as his career. In 2007, he stepped away from the runway on his own terms, choosing dignity over spectacle. His farewell show was emotional, celebrated by peers and protégés who understood they were witnessing the end of something rare.
Even in retirement, his influence never faded. The house of Valentino continued to thrive, shaped by the foundation he built, one rooted in excellence, detail, and restraint.
In December 2023, he was honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award at the British Fashion Awards in London. It was one of his final public recognitions, acknowledging a lifetime spent shaping how the world sees beauty.
More Than Fashion
Valentino believed fashion should serve people, not overwhelm them. He designed clothes that made women feel strong, confident, and respected. He valued elegance over excess and craftsmanship over shortcuts.
Those who worked with him often spoke of his high standards, but also of his deep love for the craft. He demanded perfection not out of ego, but because he believed beauty deserved nothing less.
As news of his death spreads, tributes are pouring in from designers, celebrities, and admirers around the world. They remember not just his gowns, but the way his work made people feel seen, celebrated, and timeless.
Valentino Garavani leaves behind more than a fashion empire. He leaves behind an idea that true style never shouts, never fades, and never ages. At 93, his life comes to a close, but his legacy will continue to influence the fashion world, inspiring designers for generations to come.
Valentino is gone. Elegance, thanks to him, remains forever.
