Valentino Garavani, founder of Valentino fashion house, dies at 93
Valentino Garavani (photo: Getty Images)
The legendary Italian couturier and founder of the Valentino fashion house, Valentino Garavani, has passed away. He was 93 years old, la Repubblica reports.
According to the Italian press, Valentino passed away at his residence in Rome peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.
Valentino Garavani has passed away (photo: instagram.com/realmrvalentino)
Details of the farewell have also been released: the memorial ceremony is scheduled for January 21–22 in Rome, and the funeral will take place on January 23, 2026, at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri.
Valentino Garavani has passed away (photo: instagram.com/realmrvalentino)
Brief biography of Valentino Garavani
Valentino Garavani was one of the key figures who shaped the world’s perception of Italian fashion as a symbol of grand style and "high" elegance.
From childhood, he was passionate about fashion and took his first steps in the field at home in Italy — initially as an assistant in his aunt’s workshop and later studying under local designers.
With his parents’ support, he enrolled in an art academy in Milan, and at the age of 17, he moved to Paris to receive professional training at prestigious fashion schools.
In France, Valentino began working in the industry, interning and gaining experience with well-known designers. His first major recognition came after winning a competition for young fashion designers, which opened the doors to work with the leading fashion names of the time.
Valentino Garavani (photo: Getty Images)
Valentino Garavani launched his own brand in the early 1960s: in 1960, he opened a boutique in Rome on Via Condotti, quickly becoming a favorite among the public and international clients.
It was during this period that his signature style emerged — elegant silhouettes, impeccable tailoring, and the now-iconic "Valentino Red," which would later become the fashion house’s hallmark.
Giancarlo Giammetti, Valentino’s partner, played a crucial role in the development of the brand, handling the business and financial aspects while the designer focused entirely on creativity.
Valentino gained worldwide fame in the mid-1960s: his collections were actively showcased in Florence and Rome, and the brand soon became the choice of celebrities and members of the elite.
Among his clients were iconic socialites and actresses, with a notable highlight being his collaboration with Jacqueline Kennedy, who repeatedly commissioned outfits from him.
In 1968, Valentino made another breakthrough — during the presentation of his "white" collection, he was among the first in modern fashion to use the "V" logo as a decorative element on clothing.
At the same time, he expanded the brand: in addition to couture, he launched ready-to-wear lines, opened boutiques in various countries, and created accessories and perfumes.
Valentino Garavani (photo: Getty Images)
From the 1970s to the 1990s, Valentino became a symbol of luxury and "grand style," with major advertising campaigns, expansion into the US and Japan, participation in Paris Haute Couture Week, and collaborations with the world’s top photographers.
The designer also worked on image-building projects for Italy, including designing uniforms for the Olympic team, for which he received national honors.
In the late 1990s, Valentino and Giammetti sold the fashion house, but the couturier remained closely connected to the brand for many years, presenting iconic collections.
In 2007, Valentino announced his retirement, with his final haute couture show taking place in Paris.
By 2008, the designer officially stepped away from the spotlight, leaving behind not just a brand but an entire era — a model of elegance, romance, and flawless Italian couture.
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