Legendary Fashion Designer Valentino Garavani Dies at 93

Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian fashion designer and founder of the Valentino brand, has died at the age of 93.

The news was announced on January 19 through Valentino’s official Instagram page and his foundation. A statement said he passed away peacefully at his home in Rome, surrounded by loved ones.

The statement also shared funeral arrangements. A lying in state will be held at PM23 on Piazza Mignanelli in Rome on Wednesday, January 21, and Thursday, January 22, from 11:00am to 6:00pm. His funeral will take place on Friday, January 23, at 11:00am at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome.

Following the announcement, many leading figures from the fashion world paid tribute to Valentino in the comments, recognising his enormous influence on the industry.

Valentino was best known for his elegant designs and his signature Valentino red dresses. His international fame grew in the 1960s after Jackie Kennedy bought and wore several of his designs following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. She later chose a Valentino gown for her wedding to Aristotle Onassis.

Speaking in the 2008 documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor, the designer once explained his success by saying he understood what women wanted  to feel beautiful.

Valentino also made a memorable appearance as himself in the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada. The 2008 documentary about his life and career followed him during his final years in fashion and featured well-known figures such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Anne Hathaway, Elizabeth Hurley and Sarah Jessica Parker, as well as his six beloved pugs.

Valentino Garavani leaves behind a lasting legacy as one of the most influential designers in fashion history.