Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, known worldwide simply as Valentino, died on Monday at age 93 at his residence in Rome. The announcement, shared on his and his foundation's Instagram page, sparked an outpouring of tributes from celebrities, fashion industry leaders, and political figures around the globe.
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who wore Valentino for her 2018 wedding and to the 2013 Met Gala, led the tributes alongside other prominent figures. Model Cindy Crawford described him as a "true master of his craft," while Coco Rocha stated: "fashion lost another giant."
Pierpaolo Piccioli, former creative director at Valentino, posted a heartfelt tribute calling Garavani his "mentor." Euphoria actor and Valentino ambassador Colman Domingo thanked the designer for "inspiring so many to be beautiful." American designer Zac Posen described him as "truly one of a kind."
Fashion designer Donatella Versace and model Carla Bruni also paid tribute, with Bruni noting the honor and privilege of knowing and modeling for Garavani. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called him an "undisputed master of style and elegance" and an "eternal symbol of Italian high fashion."
A Legacy in Red
Garavani co-founded his eponymous luxury brand in the 1960s with long-time partner Giancarlo Giammetti. He earned renown for his signature "Valentino Red" and distinctive use of bows, ruffles, and lace. His client list read like a who's who of global icons: Princess Diana, Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and Sophia Loren.
Julia Roberts wore a black and white vintage Valentino gown when she won the best actress Oscar for Erin Brockovich in 2001. Cate Blanchett chose a buttermilk yellow Valentino gown for her 2005 Oscars win for The Aviator. Sharon Stone and Anne Hathaway also wore his creations to major events.
France awarded Garavani the Legion d'honneur in 2006 and he announced his retirement in 2007. He marked 45 years in fashion with a lavish three-day celebration in Rome that same year.
Final Farewell
Officials will display Garavani's body in state on Wednesday, January 21 and Thursday, January 22 at his foundation's headquarters on Piazza Mignanelli. The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs will hold a funeral service on Friday, January 23 in Rome's Piazza della Repubblica.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
