The world of high fashion is in mourning following the death of legendary Italian designer Valentino Garavani. The Valentino Foundation announced on Monday that the couturier, universally known by his first name, passed away at his home in Rome. He was 93 years old.
A Legacy of Glamour and 'Valentino Red'
For nearly half a century, Valentino's high-glamour creations were a staple on runways and red carpets. His designs, often in his signature, vibrant shade of "Valentino red," were adored by generations of royalty, first ladies, and Hollywood elite. The foundation's statement called him "a true source of light, creativity and vision." His body will repose at the foundation's Rome headquarters on Wednesday and Thursday, with a funeral scheduled for Friday at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri.
Valentino built a reputation as the reliable king of the red carpet, a designer who made women feel and look their absolute best. "I know what women want," he once said. "They want to be beautiful." This philosophy won him a fiercely loyal clientele that included Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Princess Diana, Julia Roberts, and Queen Rania of Jordan.
Dressing the Stars and Defining an Era
His career, spanning from his early days in 1960s Rome to his retirement in 2008, was marked by remarkably few missteps. His fail-safe, sumptuous gowns became awards ceremony essentials. Iconic moments include:
- Julia Roberts wearing a vintage black and white Valentino column dress to accept her Best Actress Oscar in 2001.
- Cate Blanchett choosing a butter-yellow, one-shouldered silk Valentino gown for her 2004 Best Supporting Actress win.
- Jacqueline Kennedy wearing a long-sleeved lace Valentino dress for her 1968 wedding to Aristotle Onassis.
Beyond his signature red, Valentino's trademarks included bows, ruffles, lace, and intricate embroidery—feminine embellishments designed to enhance the wearer's beauty. He shared the jet-set lifestyle of his clients, owning a 46-meter yacht, a famed art collection, and a 17th-century chateau near Paris with a garden containing over a million roses.
From Voghera to a Global Fashion Empire
Born on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, Italy, Valentino credited a childhood love of cinema for his passion for fashion. After studying in Milan and Paris and apprenticing with designers Jean Desses and Guy Laroche, he founded the House of Valentino on Rome's Via Condotti in 1959. His longtime partner, Giancarlo Giammetti, managed the business, allowing Valentino to charm a global clientele.
Early fans included screen icons Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor. The brand expanded into ready-to-wear, menswear, and accessories. In 1998, Valentino and Giammetti sold the label for an estimated $300 million. Valentino celebrated his 45th anniversary in 2007 with a three-day extravaganza in Rome before retiring in 2008.
The house has since been led by designers including Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, and is now owned by Qatar's Mayhoola (70%) and Kering (30%). Valentino's life and career were documented in the 2008 film "Valentino: The Last Emperor," and his work has been featured in retrospectives at institutions like the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris.
