Valentino Garavani, one of Italy’s most influential fashion designers and a towering figure in global haute couture, has died at the age of 93, bringing to a close one of the most celebrated careers in the history of luxury fashion.
The legendary designer passed away peacefully at his home in Rome on Monday, January 19, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, according to a statement released by his foundation on Instagram. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome.
Born in 1932 in Voghera, northern Italy, Valentino Garavani developed a fascination with fashion at an early age. His passion led him to Paris, where he trained under some of the finest couture houses and absorbed the discipline, precision, and artistry that would later define his work. Returning to Italy in the late 1950s, he founded the Valentino fashion house in Rome in 1960, setting the stage for a brand that would become synonymous with refined elegance.
Valentino quickly distinguished himself through his mastery of clean lines, luxurious fabrics, and impeccable tailoring. His designs embodied a romantic yet disciplined aesthetic that resonated with royalty, Hollywood stars, and elite clients across the world. Over time, his bold and vibrant shade of red—immortalised as “Valentino red”—became one of the most recognisable and enduring signatures in fashion history.
Throughout his career, Valentino dressed some of the world’s most prominent figures, including European royalty, first ladies, and international celebrities. His creations were staples at state dinners, red carpets, and high-society events, reinforcing his reputation as a couturier of choice for moments of prestige and ceremony.
Despite shifting fashion trends and the rise of fast fashion, Valentino’s work remained rooted in timeless beauty. He achieved a rare balance between classic sophistication and modern relevance, allowing his brand to thrive across decades of change in the global fashion landscape.
Valentino officially retired from active designing in 2008, closing his career with a grand final couture show in Rome. Although he stepped away from the runway, his influence endured. The Valentino fashion house continued to flourish, while his standards of craftsmanship and elegance remained a benchmark for Italian luxury fashion.
Tributes have poured in from designers, models, fashion houses, and cultural institutions worldwide, describing Valentino as a perfectionist, a visionary, and a guardian of haute couture traditions during a period of rapid industry transformation.
Valentino Garavani leaves behind more than a celebrated fashion label. He leaves a legacy defined by artistry, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to elegance—one that will continue to inspire designers and shape the world of fashion for generations to come.
