Valentino Garavani, Fashion’s Red-Haired Visionary, Dies at 93 — A Legacy of Elegance, Pop Culture and Global Impact
Legendary Italian designer Valentino Garavani — simply known to the world as Valentino — has died at the age of 93 at his home in Rome, his foundation announced today. The fashion icon passed away surrounded by loved ones, leaving behind a legacy that reshaped haute couture and influenced global style for generations.
From Student to Style Sovereign
Born Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani in Voghera, northern Italy, in 1932, Valentino’s early interest in fashion led him to Paris where he trained at prestigious institutions and apprenticed under renowned designers before launching his own atelier in Rome in 1960.
Almost immediately, his designs caught international attention for their elevated femininity and impeccable craftsmanship. With his longtime partner Giancarlo Giammetti, Valentino built a brand that merged Italian artistry with jet-set glamour, quickly becoming a favorite among society’s most influential figures.
Aesthetic That Defined an Era
Valentino’s design aesthetic was rooted in romantic luxury — evening gowns of silk, chiffon, lace and intricate embroidery, with dramatic silhouettes that exuded timeless elegance. Perhaps his most enduring signature was “Valentino red” — a rich scarlet hue that became a hallmark of his brand and a symbol of passion and power in fashion.
His creations were beloved by Hollywood stars, royalty and first ladies alike — from Elizabeth Taylor and Jackie Kennedy Onassis to contemporary icons who wore Valentino’s gowns on red carpets around the world.
Resurgence and Pop Culture Reach
Even after his retirement in 2008, Valentino’s influence remained strong. His name and style continued to be referenced in pop culture — most notably in films like The Devil Wears Prada and in documentaries exploring the allure of couture.
In recent years, the brand experienced a resurgence under new creative leadership, with collections that both honored Valentino’s classic elegance and pushed contemporary expression, including viral fashion moments like the rise of Valentino Pink on the red carpet.
This ongoing relevance made Valentino not just a historic figure in fashion, but a living cultural touchstone whose work bridged generations of style lovers and creators.
The Impact of His Passing
Valentino’s death marks the end of a towering chapter in fashion history. Designers, models, celebrities and cultural commentators around the world are already paying tribute to his life’s work — not just as stunning garments, but as cultural artifacts that shaped how beauty, femininity and luxury were imagined.
Fashion houses today still look to Valentino’s ethos — meticulous handwork, deep respect for craftsmanship, and a belief that clothing should elevate the wearer — as a benchmark of couture excellence. His influence rippled far beyond runways, into film, art and global pop culture.
But perhaps more importantly, Valentino’s legacy is one of confidence and celebration — a reminder that fashion, at its best, does more than dress a body; it communicates identity, aspiration and joy.
A Life Celebrated Across Continents
His foundation has announced that Valentino will lie in state at PM23 in Piazza Mignanelli, Rome, through Jan. 22, with a funeral scheduled at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri on Jan. 23.
As the world remembers one of fashion’s most luminous figures, Valentino’s red-hued legacy — and the elegance he gifted to countless women — will continue to inspire designers, artists and fashion lovers for decades to come.
