Valentino Garavani, fashion designer and founder of Valentino, dies at 93

Valentino Garavani, legendary Italian designer known for Valentino red and dressing Hollywood icons, dies at 93

Valentino Garavani, the iconic Italian fashion designer and founder of the Valentino brand, has died at the age of 93. 

His foundation confirmed the news on social media, stating, “Valentino Garavani passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones.”

Garavani, widely known simply as Valentino, established his fashion house in Rome in 1960. He quickly became renowned for his romantic and elegant designs, particularly the signature “Valentino red,” a hue that remains synonymous with high fashion. His work captured the attention of international stars, including Elizabeth Taylor, who wore a Valentino gown to the premiere of Spartacus in 1960, and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, who commissioned multiple couture dresses from him, including her wedding attire for her marriage to Aristotle Onassis in 1968.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Valentino became a staple of Hollywood glamour, dressing actresses such as Joan Collins, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow, Courteney Cox, and Nicola Peltz Beckham. His creations continue to grace red carpets worldwide, worn by Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett, Zendaya, Dakota Johnson, and Florence Pugh.

Beyond fashion, Garavani appeared as himself in the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada and was the subject of the 2008 documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. After retiring in January 2008, he remained an influential figure in the fashion world, celebrated for his timeless elegance and enduring contributions to couture.