Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, mononyously known as Valentino, has died aged 93.
The late couturier died in his home in Rome on Monday, surrounded by family.
He will be lying in state in Piazza Mignanelli on Wednesday and Thursday from 11am to 6pm.
His funeral will then take place on Friday at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs at 11 am, as per his and the Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation’s official social media account.
Following the news, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid tribute, writing on X: ‘Valentino, undisputed master of style and elegance and eternal symbol of Italian high fashion.
‘Today Italy loses a legend, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations. Thank you for everything.’
The fashion world icon is the founder of his eponymous luxury fashion house, which was established in 1960 alongside his business partner, Giammetti.
During his industry-shaping 48-year career, he dressed some of the most famous women in the world, including Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn, Oprah Winfrey, and Elizabeth Hurley, as well as Hollywood icons such as Meryl Streep and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Paltrow’s daughter, Apple, is Valentino’s godchild.
Upon learning of Valentino’s death, Goop founder Paltrow took to Instagram, sharing a selfie in which she kisses him on the cheek.
Her emotional tribute read: ‘I was so lucky to know and love Valentino-to know the real man, in private. The man who was in love with beauty, his family, his muses, his friends. His dogs, his gardens, and a good Hollywood story. I loved him so much. I loved how he always pestered me to “at least wear a little mascara” when I came to dinner. I loved his naughty laugh.
‘This feels like the end of an era. He will be deeply missed by me and all who loved him. Rest in peace, Vava 💔’
Actress Hurley also shared a tribute, writing: ‘I’m truly saddened to hear about the passing of my beloved friend @RealMrValentino ♥️ 30 years of extraordinary friendship… Valentino was eternally kind and generous to me and my son Damian, whom Valentino called “The Little Prince”. I will cherish our time together for the rest of my life ♥️’
‘Fashion’s last emperor’ shot to global acclaim and only rose from there after Elizabeth Taylor showcased his work as a designer by wearing a Valentino gown to the 1960 premiere of Spartacus in his hometown of Rome.
By the present day, he has cemented his legacy with his trademark Valentino red, which has defined glitzy evening gowns for decades.
The visionary also dressed the political elite, including Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Discussing his time with her, he told Metro in 2012: ‘She was, in a certain way, quite shy, but she was a strong lady, with a fantastic education, very chic, very elegant.’
She later wore one of his gowns to her wedding to Aristotle Onassis.
He retired in January 2008, with his final haute couture show taking place in Paris at Musée Rodin.
The creative leadership was then taken over by Maria Grazia Chiuri & Pierpaolo Piccioli. Piccioli then helmed the ship solo until 2024, before Alessandro Michele took over as creative director.
Discussing his decision to step back when he did, he added: ‘I thought I had done enough. I did shows everywhere in the world. I dress so many women – movie stars, royalty, everybody – and I said, “It’s better to do it now”.’
Born in 1932 in Voghera, Italy, he studied fashion at the École des Beaux-Arts and the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne in Paris. He later went on to serve apprenticeships with Jacques Fath and Balenciaga.
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