Fashion Designer Valentino Garavani Dies at 93: The Last Emperor of Couture
Italian fashion icon Valentino Garavani has died at 93. Known for 'Valentino Red' and dressing Hollywood's elite, his death marks the end of a golden era in couture.
The man who painted the world in crimson has taken his final bow. Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian designer who defined 20th-century elegance, has died at the age of 93. According to a statement from the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation, he passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, at his home in Rome, surrounded by his loved ones.
Fashion Designer Valentino Garavani Dies: A Legacy of Red
Born in Lombardy in 1932, Valentino's journey to the pinnacle of fashion began when he moved to Paris at 17 to study at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. In 1960, he co-founded the Valentino fashion house, eventually standing alongside titans like Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld. He wasn't just a designer; he was an architect of glamour who prioritized beauty over passing trends.
His signature, 'Valentino Red,' inspired by a trip to Spain, became a global phenomenon. From Jacqueline Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor to modern stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lopez, his creations were a staple of the red carpet. Alexandra Shulman, former editor-in-chief of British Vogue, told BBC that Valentino "epitomized glamour and luxury," noting that he successfully gave the public exactly what they wanted a fashion designer to be.
The Final Farewell in Rome
The designer's body will lie in state at Piazza Mignanelli between January 21 and 22. His funeral service is scheduled for the following day at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs. This loss marks the end of an era, coming just years after he received the outstanding achievement award at the British Fashion Awards in late 2023.
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