Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian designer who built one of the world’s most influential luxury fashion brands, has died at the age of 93.
His foundation confirmed the news on Saturday, marking the end of an era in haute couture.
The announcement of Valentino Garavani’s death was made on January 18 through his personal Instagram account and the official page of his foundation.
“Our founder, Valentino Garavani, passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones,” the statement said.
Funeral and lying in state details
According to the official statement, Valentino’s lying in state will take place at PM23, Piazza Mignanelli 23, on Wednesday and Thursday, January 21 and 22, from 11am to 6pm.
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The funeral will be held on Friday, January 23, at 11am at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, located in Piazza della Repubblica, Rome.
Fashion world and Hollywood mourn
The designer’s death has sent shockwaves through the global fashion industry and Hollywood, with leading figures paying tribute to his lasting influence.
Fashion personality Cameron Silver described Valentino as “one of the greatest,” while former Valentino creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli expressed his grief with a broken heart emoji in the comments.
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Valentino Garavani became synonymous with elegance, timeless glamour, and his iconic “Valentino red.”
His creations were worn by some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman, and Anne Hathaway, cementing his status as a fashion icon.
Born on May 11, 1932, Valentino Garavani lived in Rome with his longtime partner Bruce Hoeksema, a former vice president of the Valentino fashion house. The couple shared their life together since 1982.
