Valentino Garavani, the iconic founder of the eponymous fashion house, died at the age of 93 on January 19, 2026, in his Roman residence. His passing was announced by the Foundation he established in the capital.
The fashion world mourns the loss of one of its most influential figures, Valentino Garavani, who passed away peacefully at his home in Rome. The designer, celebrated for his timeless elegance and contributions to haute couture, was 93 years old.
A Life Dedicated to Fashion and Rome
Born in Voghera, Italy, Valentino Garavani’s journey into the world of fashion began with studies in Milan and Paris before he returned to Rome. In 1960, he opened his first atelier in Via dei Condotti, a move that would eventually lead to the creation of a global fashion empire. The pivotal moment came with the arrival of Giancarlo Giammetti, who took charge of the administrative and financial aspects of the business, allowing Valentino to fully immerse himself in creative design. Giammetti, his long-time partner and friend, once stated, “I always tried to protect him and give him the serenity he needed to create, imagine, and ultimately, to be happy.”
Valentino’s love affair with Rome was legendary. Despite spending many years in Paris, his heart remained in the Eternal City. His final fashion show in 2007, before selling his brand to the Qatari fund Mayhoola, was a triumphant return to Rome, held at the extraordinary location of the Imperial Forums. It was a celebration of his 45-year career in the city that launched him to global success, a place he hadn’t showcased his collections in for 17 years. This event, dubbed “Valentiniadi” by some, included a retrospective exhibition of 305 dresses at the Ara Pacis and gala dinners attended by a constellation of stars, including Caroline of Monaco, Gwyneth Paltrow, and political figures like Prodi and Berlusconi.
The Dolce Vita and Valentino’s Legacy
Valentino was also a prominent figure during Rome’s “Dolce Vita” era. Rino Barillari, the renowned “King of Paparazzi,” recalled, “What a character Valentino was, the pride of Romans, the pride of Italy in the world. Where he is spoken of, the sky opens. I still have unpublished photos I took of him in 2015: I followed him in the ateliers, wherever he went. I immortalized him with Liz Taylor, with Sophia Loren, with the Pope. He was always calm, a gentleman. In my memories, he is still the king of Via dei Condotti, Via Veneto, and the Roman Dolce Vita: to every shot, he responded with a smile.”
Tributes from Institutions
The news of Valentino’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes. Rome’s Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, stated, “Thank you, Maestro, for giving us an idea of timeless beauty, impossible to forget. Valentino Garavani represented Italian excellence everywhere, elevating fashion to art.” The Teatro dell’Opera di Roma also expressed its condolences, highlighting how the designer “brought haute couture to opera as a complete form of applied art, leaving a lasting mark on the cultural history of our city.” Alessandro Onorato, the Councilor for Fashion, called him “an absolute genius” and assured that “together with the mayor, we will find a way to pay him due homage.”
Funeral Arrangements
The wake for Valentino Garavani will be held at his Foundation on Wednesday and Thursday (from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM). The funeral service will take place on Friday at 11:00 AM at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Piazza della Repubblica.
Valentino’s influence extended beyond fashion, touching the lives of many celebrities and public figures. His designs were worn by icons such as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, and Audrey Hepburn, solidifying his status as a master of elegance and sophistication. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of designers and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
Source: roma.corriere.it
