Iconic Designer Valentino Garavani Passes Away at 93

Valentino Garavani, the esteemed Italian fashion designer renowned for his luxurious gowns and signature shade of “Valentino red,” died at the age of 93 at his home in Rome. His foundation announced his passing on social media on Monday, stating, “Valentino Garavani was not only a constant guide and inspiration for all of us, but a true source of light, creativity and vision.”

The fashion world mourns the loss of a visionary. Valentino’s body will lie in repose at the foundation’s headquarters in Rome on Wednesday and Thursday, with the funeral scheduled for Friday at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Piazza della Repubblica.

Legacy of Elegance and Influence

Known simply as Valentino, he garnered admiration from numerous royals, first ladies, and Hollywood stars, including Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Julia Roberts. Valentino once stated, “I know what women want. They want to be beautiful.” This philosophy guided his career, which spanned nearly five decades, beginning in the 1960s and culminating in his retirement in 2008.

Valentino’s designs were a mainstay at high-profile events, making him the preferred designer for A-listers. His creations adorned the red carpet at countless Academy Awards, including the iconic moment in 2001 when Julia Roberts wore a vintage black-and-white column dress to accept her Best Actress award. Cate Blanchett also donned a stunning butter-yellow silk gown by Valentino during her Oscar win in 2004.

A Life of Glamour and Friendship

Valentino’s close relationship with Jacqueline Kennedy, who wore his designs exclusively for a time, showcased the designer’s influence in elite circles. Their friendship included notable moments such as the long-sleeved lace wedding dress Jacqueline wore for her marriage to Aristotle Onassis in 1968. Additionally, Diana, Princess of Wales, frequently graced public events in Valentino’s lavish gowns, further solidifying his status in the fashion industry.

The designer’s aesthetic was characterized by romantic elements such as bows, ruffles, and exquisite embroidery. These feminine touches elevated the beauty of his dresses, ensuring that wearers felt their most glamorous. Valentino himself epitomized high fashion, often seen impeccably dressed and perpetually tanned, living the lifestyle of his jet-set clientele. His properties included a 152-foot yacht, an extensive art collection featuring works by Picasso and Miró, and a 17th-century château near Paris surrounded by over a million roses.

Valentino and his long-term partner, Giancarlo Giammetti, shared homes across the globe, including locations in New York, London, and Capri, and frequently hosted celebrity friends like Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Throughout his career, Valentino maintained a philosophy of beauty and elegance. In a 2007 interview with RTL television, he expressed his views on fashion, stating, “For me, a woman is like a beautiful, beautiful flower bouquet. She has always to be sensational, always to please, always to be perfect.”

Born on May 11, 1932, in the affluent town of Voghera, Italy, Valentino developed a passion for cinema and beauty at a young age. His admiration for the silver screen led him to pursue a career in fashion after studying in Milan and Paris. He worked for established designers, including Jean Desses and Guy Laroche, before founding his own label, Valentino, on Rome’s Via Condotti in 1959.

Despite early financial struggles, Valentino’s brand flourished, attracting clients such as Gina Lollobrigida, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, and Audrey Hepburn. His talent caught the attention of legendary Vogue editor Diana Vreeland, who mentored him in his formative years.

Valentino expanded his empire over the years to include ready-to-wear, menswear, and accessories, ultimately selling his label to an Italian holding company for approximately $300 million in 1998. He remained involved in the design process for an additional decade before celebrating his 45th anniversary in the industry with a grand event in Rome in 2007.

The fashion world will remember Valentino Garavani not only for his remarkable designs but also for his profound impact on style and beauty. His legacy endures through the countless women who wore his creations, each of whom experienced the transformative power of his artistry.