Valentino Garavani Dies at 93
The fashion world is in mourning as Valentino Garavani, the legendary founder of the Valentino fashion house and the undisputed master of Italian elegance, has passed away at the age of 93.
The news was confirmed on Monday, January 19, 2026, by the Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti. According to the official statement, the iconic designer passed away peacefully at his residence in Rome, surrounded by his loved ones. Known mononymously as Valentino, his death marks the end of a golden era in haute couture, leaving behind a legacy defined by “Valentino Red,” impeccable craftsmanship, and a relentless pursuit of beauty.
The Life and Rise of a Fashion Icon
Born Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, Italy, his journey into the world of high fashion began at a young age. Inspired by the glamorous actresses of the silver screen, he moved to Paris at just 17 to study at the École des Beaux-Arts and the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne.
After honing his skills at prestigious ateliers like Balenciaga and Jean Dessès, Valentino returned to Italy in 1959. In 1960, he opened his fashion house on Rome’s Via Condotti. It was here that he met Giancarlo Giammetti, who would become his lifelong business partner and the strategic brain behind the brand’s global expansion. Together, they built an empire that bridged the gap between Parisian couture and Italian luxury.
The Birth of “Valentino Red”
One cannot discuss Valentino without mentioning his signature hue. Inspired by an opera performance he witnessed in Barcelona as a student, Valentino became obsessed with a specific, vibrant shade of crimson. This color, which eventually became known globally as “Valentino Red,” became a hallmark of his collections, symbolizing passion, power, and ultimate femininity.
Dressing Royalty and Hollywood Legends
Valentino’s ability to create gowns that were both architectural and ethereal made him the favorite of the world’s most influential women. His breakthrough came in the 1960s when he caught the eye of Jacqueline Kennedy. He famously designed the lace mini-dress for her 1968 wedding to Aristotle Onassis, a moment that solidified his status as a global style icon.
Over the decades, his “V” logo became a badge of sophistication for a “who’s who” of international elites, including:
- Elizabeth Taylor
- Princess Diana
- Audrey Hepburn
- Julia Roberts (who wore a vintage Valentino gown to accept her 2001 Oscar)
- Anne Hathaway
The “Last Emperor” and His Retirement
Often referred to as “The Last Emperor”—a title popularized by the 2008 documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor—he was one of the last designers to prioritize the exclusive, opulent traditions of haute couture over the modern trend of mass-market commercialization.
Though he officially retired from active designing in 2008, handing the creative reigns to successors like Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, his influence remained palpable. He continued to be a fixture at major fashion events, always impeccably tanned and dressed, embodying the very elegance he spent his life creating.
Funeral Arrangements and Tributes
Tributes have poured in from all corners of the globe. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described him as an “eternal symbol of Italian high fashion,” while contemporaries and models like Naomi Campbell and Gwyneth Paltrow have shared heartfelt messages honoring his mentorship and vision.
For those wishing to pay their respects, Valentino will lie in state at the foundation’s headquarters in Piazza Mignanelli, Rome, on Wednesday, January 21, and Thursday, January 22. The funeral service is scheduled for Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri.
The Enduring Legacy of 9jasonic’s Favorite Style Icon
At 9jasonic, we recognize that fashion and music are deeply intertwined. Valentino didn’t just make clothes; he created a lifestyle. As the world says goodbye to this titan of industry, his “Valentino Red” will continue to blaze a trail for future generations of designers who believe that, above all else, beauty is a necessity.
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