Legendary Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, simply known as Valentino, has passed away at the age of 93, leaving behind a dazzling legacy of red gowns and star-studded glamour. His foundation announced the news on Instagram on Monday, January 19, 2026. The post stated, “Valentino Garavani passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones.”
Valentino’s Early Life & Career
Born in 1932 in Voghera, Lombardy, Valentino honed his craft in Paris before launching his eponymous fashion house in Rome in the early 1960s, supported by partner Giancarlo Giammetti. Soon after, success came in the form of the 1967 Neiman Marcus Award and Jacqueline Kennedy’s iconic 1968 wedding gown for her wedding to Aristotle Onassis. This cemented his status as a designer to the elites. Throughout his career, he crafted bridal gowns for countless celebrities, merging opulence with his signature ‘Valentino Red.’
Later, the brand expanded into perfumes and accessories, making it a global powerhouse listed on Milan’s stock exchange, the first of its kind. Italy honored him with the Cavaliere di Gran Croce in 1986 for societal contributions and the Cavaliere del Lavoro in 1996 for entrepreneurship. Valentino retired from the fashion business after a 2008 couture farewell, having built an enduring empire.
His Philosophy
His entire world was defined by beauty, in men, women, kids, and paintings. In a 2011 interview with The Talks, he said, “As a creator, beauty is the most important. Since I was a child, I loved the way a dress looks, I admired a great face, a lovely body.” When asked about his bond with the movie industry stalwarts, he replied, “I have to love my collection; I have to create my own personal things for the season. If I like it, then movie stars and the ladies around me are also very fond of it.”
Farewell Arrangements
He will lie in state on Wednesday, January 21, and Thursday, January 22, from 11 am to 6 pm, Piazza Mignanelli 23 (PM23) in Rome. Valentino’s funeral will follow on Friday, January 23, at 11 am at Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, Piazza della Repubblica 8. For global fans and followers, a livestream is also planned.
Valentino elevated Italian fashion alongside Versace and Armani, making fortunes through savvy licensing. Tributes poured in celebrating his vision of “beautiful things… important and make life important.” The entire world mourns a fashion titan whose red graced Oscars and weddings, forever synonymous with elegance.
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