Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian designer whose glamorous gowns defined elegance for decades, has died at his home in Rome at the age of 93. Known for his signature “Valentino red” and timeless designs, he remained a central figure in the fashion world from the 1960s through his retirement in 2008.
The Designer Who Knew What Women Wanted
Universally recognized simply as Valentino, he dressed generations of royals, first ladies, and Hollywood stars, including Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Princess Diana, Julia Roberts, and Queen Rania of Jordan. His clients often said his gowns made them feel both beautiful and confident.
“I know what women want,” he famously said. “They want to be beautiful.” Valentino rarely embraced shock or edginess in his designs. Instead, he perfected gowns that were elegant, flattering, and red-carpet ready. His creations graced countless Academy Awards, such as Julia Roberts’ black-and-white column gown in 2001 and Cate Blanchett’s butter-yellow silk dress in 2004. He also designed Jacqueline Kennedy’s long-sleeved lace wedding dress for her marriage to Aristotle Onassis and was a trusted designer for Princess Diana.
From Silver Screen Dreams to Global Fashion House
Born on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, northern Italy, Valentino credited his childhood love of cinema for inspiring his sense of beauty. After studying fashion in Milan and Paris, he worked for designers Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche before opening his own house on Rome’s Via Condotti in 1959.
Early admirers included Italian screen icons Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren, as well as Hollywood stars Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. Influential Vogue editor Diana Vreeland also championed the young designer, helping him gain international recognition. His hallmark style included bows, lace, ruffles, embroidery, and, of course, the iconic red that bears his name.
A Life of Glamour and Lasting Legacy
Valentino lived a life as luxurious as his gowns. Alongside longtime partner Giancarlo Giammetti, he traveled between homes in Rome, Paris, New York, London, Capri, and Switzerland, often accompanied by their pugs and celebrated friends like Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow. He owned a 46-metre yacht, a 17th-century Parisian chateau with over a million roses, and an impressive art collection including works by Picasso and Miró.
Over time, Valentino expanded his brand to include ready-to-wear, menswear, and accessories. He and Giammetti sold the label in 1998 for an estimated $300 million, while Valentino remained creatively involved for another decade. His work has been honored in museum retrospectives, including at Paris’ Musée des Arts Décoratifs, and celebrated in the 2008 documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor.
Valentino’s body will lie in repose at the foundation’s headquarters in Rome on Wednesday and Thursday, with his funeral scheduled for Friday, January 23, at 11:00 a.m. at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome.
