ROME — The global fashion world is in mourning following the death of Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian couturier whose vision defined 20th-century glamour. The designer, known mononymously as Valentino, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 19, 2026, at his residence in Rome. He was 93 years old.
In a poignant statement released via Instagram, the Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti confirmed his passing: “He passed away peacefully in his Roman home, surrounded by the love of his family.”
The Architect of “Valentino Red”
Born in 1932 in Voghera, Valentino’s career spanned nearly half a century of sartorial dominance. After studying in Paris and apprenticing with greats like Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche, he returned to Rome in 1959 to establish his own house.
His breakthrough came with his signature “Valentino Red”—a vibrant, proprietary shade inspired by a trip to the opera in Barcelona during his youth. This color became an indelible symbol of Italian luxury, appearing in every collection until his retirement in 2008.
- Iconic Clients: He was the preferred designer for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (designing her 1968 wedding dress), Elizabeth Taylor, Julia Roberts, and Princess Diana.
- The “Last Emperor”: Often referred to as the last of the great couturiers, he maintained a standard of unapologetic opulence that defied the minimalist trends of the late 20th century.
- Legacy of Partnership: His success was inextricably linked to his lifelong business partner, Giancarlo Giammetti, with whom he built an empire that remains a pillar of global luxury.
Tributes and Final Farewells
Tributes have flooded in from around the world, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni calling him an “eternal symbol of Italian high fashion” and a “source of pride for the nation.”
The city of Rome is preparing for a week of high-profile ceremonies to honor the man who made the Italian capital a global fashion destination.
| Event | Date | Location |
| Lying in State | Jan 21–22, 2026 | Fondazione Headquarters, Piazza Mignanelli |
| Public Viewing | 11:00 am – 6:00 pm | Piazza Mignanelli 23, Rome |
| Funeral Service | Friday, Jan 23, 2026 | Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri |
The End of a Golden Era
Valentino’s death follows that of his contemporary Giorgio Armani in late 2025, marking the end of a “Golden Era” for Italian fashion pioneers. While he stepped back from creative direction in 2008, his influence persists through current creative director Alessandro Michele, who recently took the helm of the maison.
As the industry reflects on his life, Valentino will be remembered not just for his “emperor-like” lifestyle, but for his unwavering belief that a designer’s sole duty was to “make women beautiful.”
Elizabeth Hurley and Valentino Garavani. Cannes Film Festival Picture by Georges Biard
