Fashion World Mourns Valentino Garavani, Italian Style Icon, Dead at 93The fashion world is in mourning after the death of Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian designer and founder of the Valentino fashion house, who died at the age of 93 in his home in Rome on Monday, 19 January 2026. The news was confirmed by the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation.  Born 11 May 1932 in Voghera, northern Italy, Valentino — often known simply by his first name — became one of the most celebrated figures in luxury fashion. Educated in Paris at prestigious institutions including the École des Beaux-Arts and the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, he returned to Italy and, alongside partner Giancarlo Giammetti, launched his eponymous label in 1960, quickly gaining international acclaim for elegant couture and refined ready-to-wear collections.  Valentino’s designs embodied timeless glamour and sophistication, with his signature “Valentino Red” becoming one of the most iconic and recognizable hues in fashion. Over decades, he dressed some of the world’s most illustrious women, from Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn to Jackie Kennedy and contemporary stars on the red carpet. His aesthetic and influence helped shape the landscape of haute couture and luxury style throughout the latter half of the 20th century and beyond.  Despite retiring as creative director in 2008, Valentino remained a revered figure in fashion, often appearing at shows and events and celebrated for his lifelong contributions to design. His legacy continued through major runway presentations, influential collaborations, and the ongoing prominence of the Valentino brand in global luxury markets.  His body will lie in state at PM23 in Piazza Mignanelli, Rome, on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 January, before a funeral service scheduled for Friday 23 January at 11:00 in the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Piazza della Repubblica, Rome.  Photo credit: Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com.

The fashion world is in mourning after the death of Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian designer and founder of the Valentino fashion house, who died at the age of 93 in his home in Rome on Monday, 19 January 2026. The news was confirmed by the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation.  Born 11 May 1932 in Voghera, northern Italy, Valentino — often known simply by his first name — became one of the most celebrated figures in luxury fashion. Educated in Paris at prestigious institutions including the École des Beaux-Arts and the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, he returned to Italy and, alongside partner Giancarlo Giammetti, launched his eponymous label in 1960, quickly gaining international acclaim for elegant couture and refined ready-to-wear collections.  Valentino’s designs embodied timeless glamour and sophistication, with his signature “Valentino Red” becoming one of the most iconic and recognizable hues in fashion. Over decades, he dressed some of the world’s most illustrious women, from Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn to Jackie Kennedy and contemporary stars on the red carpet. His aesthetic and influence helped shape the landscape of haute couture and luxury style throughout the latter half of the 20th century and beyond.  Despite retiring as creative director in 2008, Valentino remained a revered figure in fashion, often appearing at shows and events and celebrated for his lifelong contributions to design. His legacy continued through major runway presentations, influential collaborations, and the ongoing prominence of the Valentino brand in global luxury markets.  His body will lie in state at PM23 in Piazza Mignanelli, Rome, on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 January, before a funeral service scheduled for Friday 23 January at 11:00 in the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Piazza della Repubblica, Rome.  Photo credit: Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com.