Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian designer whose name became synonymous with elegance, glamour and timeless red-carpet fashion, has died at the age of 93.
His foundation confirmed that Valentino passed away peacefully at his home in Rome, surrounded by family, closing the chapter on one of the longest and most influential careers in global fashion.
From Small-Town Italy to Global Haute Couture Royalty
Born in Voghera, northern Italy, in 1932, Valentino trained in Paris before launching his own fashion house in Rome in 1959.
Early on, his designs stood out — particularly his rich scarlet gowns that would later earn the name “Valentino red,” a colour that became his unmistakable signature.
In 1960, Valentino met Giancarlo Giammetti, his lifelong business partner and former romantic companion. Together, they transformed Valentino SpA into a powerhouse luxury brand worn by royalty, Hollywood icons and global tastemakers.
Red Carpets, Supermodels and Cultural Influence
Valentino’s relevance endured across decades. In the 1970s, he became a fixture in New York’s elite social circles, counting Andy Warhol and Diana Vreeland as close friends.
By the 1990s, his designs were embraced by supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer.
The Oscars became one of his most consistent showcases. Over the years, Valentino gowns were worn by Jane Fonda, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Lopez, Cate Blanchett, and Anne Hathaway — often on nights when awards were won.
In more recent years, Zendaya, Carey Mulligan, and Gemma Chan continued to carry his legacy on Hollywood’s biggest stages, proving the brand’s ability to evolve without losing its soul.
A Life of Beauty, Discipline and Lasting Legacy
Known for his immaculately tailored suits, tanned complexion and perfectly styled hair, Valentino embodied the image of the refined Italian gentleman.
Away from fashion, he was an avid collector of Chinese antiques, a passionate gardener, and a devoted lover of his pug dogs — once famously declaring that they mattered more to him than any collection.
Valentino sold his company in 1998 for about Sh30 billion, but remained involved until retiring in 2008 after more than four decades in fashion.
Tributes poured in following his death. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed him as “the eternal symbol of Italian haute couture,” while designers Alessandro Michele and Pierpaolo Piccioli described him as a mentor who believed beauty was both discipline and joy.