Valentino Garavani Dies at 93: Legendary Fashion Designer’s

The legendary Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, commonly known as Valentino, has passed away at the age of 93. The news of Valentino’s death was announced on January 19, 2026, by the Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti. He died peacefully at his home in Rome, surrounded by loved ones.

A Legacy of Elegance and “Valentino Red”

Born on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, Italy, Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani revolutionized haute couture with his signature romantic, glamorous style. He founded the Valentino fashion house in 1960 in Rome alongside his longtime business partner and close companion, Giancarlo Giammetti. The duo met in 1960 when Giammetti, then an architecture student, became Valentino’s indispensable partner—handling business while Valentino focused on creative vision.

Valentino became renowned for his exquisite evening gowns, impeccable tailoring, and the iconic “Valentino red”—a vibrant crimson hue that appeared in nearly every collection. His designs dressed royalty, Hollywood stars, and global icons, including:

• Jackie Kennedy
• Audrey Hepburn
• Elizabeth Taylor
• Nancy Reagan
• Julia Roberts
• Gwyneth Paltrow
• Sharon Stone

Dubbed “the last emperor” of fashion (as featured in the 2008 documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor), he was one of the first Italian designers to show on Paris haute couture runways, bridging Italian craftsmanship with French elegance. His empire grew into a global luxury powerhouse, known for timeless sophistication and high-glamour aesthetics.

In 1998, Valentino and Giammetti sold the brand, which later changed hands (including to Qatari fund Mayhoola in 2012 and partial acquisition by Kering). Valentino retired in 2008 after nearly 50 years at the helm.

Tributes and the End of an Era

Following the announcement of Valentino designer‘s passing, tributes poured in from the fashion world, calling him a “true maestro” and “source of light, creativity, and vision.” Giancarlo Giammetti, his partner of over 65 years in both life and business, shared a poignant Instagram post simply captioned “forever.”

The Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti, established to preserve their legacy, issued a statement honoring his enduring inspiration.

Valentino Fashion House Today

Even after retirement, the Valentino brand continues under creative directors like Alessandro Michele (as of recent collections). Recent news includes the house opting to present its Fall/Winter 2026–27 collection in Rome rather than Paris—symbolically returning to its roots amid ongoing evolution.

Valentino Garavani’s influence on luxury fashion remains unmatched, embodying beauty, elegance, and an unwavering pursuit of glamour. Rest in peace, Maestro.

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