Valentino Garavani, the iconic Italian fashion designer and subject of a 2008 documentary, has died at the age of 93. His foundation announced his passing in a post on his official Instagram account, saying he died in his Roman residence surrounded by loved ones.
“Our founder, Valentino Garavani passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones. The lying in state will be held at PM23 in Piazza Mignanelli 23 on Wednesday January 21st and Thursday January 22nd, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. The funeral will take place on Friday, January 23rd at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, in Piazza della Repubblica 8 in Rome, at 11 am.”
Born Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, Italy, he trained in Paris before returning to Rome where he launched his own fashion house in 1959. His eponymous brand, Valentino, quickly became known for its refined silhouettes, intricate embroidery, and dramatic use of a signature shade known simply as “Valentino red.” Over decades he dressed royalty, Hollywood stars, and international social figures, such as Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Valentino retired from active design in 2007 and was celebrated that year with a grand retrospective in Rome marking his 45th anniversary in fashion. He spent his later years championing the art of fashion and mentoring successors, yet he remained a visible presence at major fashion events, often seen in the front rows of Paris couture shows.
He was the subject of Valentino: The Last Emperor, a 2008 documentary directed by Matt Tyrnauer that chronicled the final years of his career and explored his partnership with longtime collaborator and partner Giancarlo Giammetti. The film offered an intimate look at Valentino’s creative process, personality, and the inner workings of a fashion empire built on beauty and precision.
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