January 19, (THEWILL) — Italian fashion legend, Valentino Garavani, celebrated globally for redefining elegance and haute couture, has died at the age of 93.
His foundation announced on Instagram that the designer “peacefully passed away today at his residence in Rome, surrounded by the love of his family.”
Born in Voghera, northern Italy, in 1932, Valentino trained in the prestigious couture houses of Paris before returning to Rome in 1959 to establish his own fashion label. He rose swiftly to international acclaim, particularly for his signature scarlet shade — famously known as “Valentino red” which became synonymous with luxury, sophistication and timeless glamour.
In 1960, Valentino met Giancarlo Giammetti, his longtime business partner, with whom he built Valentino SpA into one of the world’s most influential fashion brands. Together, they transformed the label into a global symbol of Italian excellence and craftsmanship.
Among his earliest and most famous clients was Hollywood icon, Elizabeth Taylor, whom he met while she was filming Cleopatra in Rome. Other notable admirers of his designs included Audrey Hepburn, Joan Collins, Begum Aga Khan, Queen Paola of Belgium and Jacqueline Kennedy, who famously wore a Valentino gown to her wedding to Greek shipping magnate, Aristotle Onassis, in 1968.
Valentino’s influence continued across generations. In the 1970s, he became a fixture in New York’s fashion and cultural circles, counting Andy Warhol and Vogue editor, Diana Vreeland, among his friends. In the 1990s, supermodels such as Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell, frequently showcased his creations on global runways.
His designs also became red-carpet favourites. Notable Oscar appearances include the gown worn by Jane Fonda in 1981, Julia Roberts’ vintage black-and-white dress in 2001, Jennifer Lopez’s mint caftan-style ensemble in 2003, Cate Blanchett’s yellow gown in 2005 and Anne Hathaway’s couture appearance in 2011, when she walked the red carpet alongside the designer himself.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest designers of the modern era, Valentino leaves behind a lasting legacy that reshaped global fashion and elevated Italian couture to unprecedented heights.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
