Legendary Italian Couturier Valentino Garavani Has Died At 93

Valentino Garavani launched his eponymous label in 1960 after opening an atelier in Rome the year prior, and it wasn’t long before the designer began receiving recognition. In just a few short years, Hollywood’s greats took notice of his couture pieces, known for their glamour, femininity, and signature poppy-red hue.

Valentino is considered by many to be a pioneer of the glitz and glamour of the late 20th century, bringing his la dolce vita to Hollywood. Over the years, his gowns were worn by icons such as Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, and Sophia Loren—often lovingly dubbed “Val’s Gals.”

A Global Fashion Powerhouse

By the 1980s, Valentino had cemented his status as one of fashion’s greats. In 1982, he was invited to present his collection in Tokyo as part of The Best Five ’83, alongside Sonia Rykiel, Hanae Mori, Norma Kamali, and Kansai Yamamoto.

In the ’90s and early 2000s, Valentino received a slew of awards and notably dressed royals and celebrities alike, including Princess Diana, Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry, and Gwyneth Paltrow. In 2001, Julia Roberts accepted the Academy Award for Best Actress while wearing a vintage black-and-white Valentino gown.

Life Beyond the Runway

While Valentino was beloved for his extraordinary talent and the fashion empire he built, following his retirement in 2007, the designer devoted his time to loved ones, fully living the glamorous life his label so effortlessly embodied. According to Vogue, Valentino often hosted lavish gatherings at his French estate or aboard his yacht, surrounded by friends and his business and life partner, Giancarlo Giammetti, until the very end.

Across social media, celebrities, friends, and business associates shared their tributes. Pierpaolo Piccioli, who helmed Valentino from 2008 to 2024, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, as did several of his beloved “gals,” including Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Cindy Crawford.

Valentino Garavani’s funeral will be held on January 23 at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs, following a period of lying in state at Rome’s Piazza Mignanelli—from January 21 through January 22—located in front of Valentino’s headquarters.