Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, renowned for his iconic red dresses and elegant couture favored by celebrities and royalty for decades, has died at the age of 93. The news was announced by the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation on Friday, February 16, 2024, stating he passed away peacefully in Rome surrounded by family. His passing marks the end of an era for high fashion and leaves a significant void in the industry.
A public lying in state will be held at Piazza Mignanelli in Rome on January 21 and 22, followed by a funeral service at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs on January 23, according to the foundation’s statement. The fashion world is already responding with tributes to the designer’s legacy.
The Legacy of Valentino: A Fashion Icon
Born in Lombardy, Italy, in 1932, Valentino Garavani rose to prominence as one of the 20th century’s most influential fashion figures. He established the Valentino fashion house in 1960, quickly becoming synonymous with luxury, sophistication, and a distinctive aesthetic. His designs were consistently chosen by prominent women, including Elizabeth Taylor, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Audrey Hepburn, solidifying his status as a go-to couturier for glamorous occasions.
Valentino’s signature color, a vibrant scarlet, became known throughout the industry simply as “Valentino red.” This bold hue, frequently featured in his collections, became a hallmark of the brand and a symbol of Italian style. He initially honed his skills in Paris before returning to Italy to launch his own label.
A Collaborative Partnership
A crucial element of Valentino’s success was his long-standing partnership with Giancarlo Giammetti, whom he met in 1960. Giammetti, an architecture student at the time, proved to be an astute business partner, helping to transform Valentino SpA into a globally recognized brand. Their collaboration spanned over five decades and was instrumental in building the house of Valentino into the empire it became.
Throughout the 1970s, Valentino cultivated a strong presence in New York, immersing himself in the city’s vibrant art and social scene. He befriended artists like Andy Warhol and fashion editors like Diana Vreeland, further expanding his influence and network. The designer continued to evolve with the times, becoming a favorite among 1990s supermodels like Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell.
Valentino’s creations were a frequent sight on the red carpet, gracing the backs of Oscar winners and nominees alike. Notable examples include Jane Fonda’s beaded gown in 1981, Julia Roberts’ vintage black-and-white dress in 2001, and Cate Blanchett’s sunshine yellow gown in 2005. More recently, Zendaya, Carey Mulligan, and Gemma Chan have championed the brand’s designs.
Beyond his professional achievements, Valentino was known for his refined personal style and appreciation for the finer things in life. He was a collector of Chinese antiques and took great pride in the landscaped gardens of his 17th-century Chateau Wideville outside Paris. He maintained residences in several major cities around the world, reflecting his international lifestyle.
In 1998, Valentino sold his company to the Italian conglomerate HdP, but remained involved in the creative process. He officially retired in 2008, concluding a remarkable career of over 45 years. Following his retirement, the creative direction of the house passed to Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, and later to Alessandro Michele.
Current creative director Alessandro Michele expressed his profound respect for Valentino, calling him “an undisputed protagonist of fashion” and praising his “boundless love of beauty.” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described him as “the eternal symbol of Italian haute couture.”
The passing of Valentino is widely seen as the end of an era, representing the loss of a generation of iconic designers. His influence on the world of fashion and his dedication to craftsmanship will continue to inspire for years to come. The industry now looks to Alessandro Michele to further shape the future of the Valentino brand, building upon the foundation laid by its namesake founder. The coming seasons will be closely watched to see how Michele interprets and evolves the legacy of this couture giant.
