Italian Fashion Icon Valentino Garavani Passes Away at 93

Legendary Designer Valentino Garavani Dies at 93, Leaving Enduring Fashion Legacy

Renowned Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani passed away on January 19, 2026 , at the age of 93 , at his residence in Rome . His foundation confirmed that he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. Valentino’s death marks the close of a defining era in global haute couture and Italian fashion history.

Early Life and Training in Paris

Born in May 1932 in Italy’s Lombardy region , Valentino showed an early fascination with elegance, tailoring, and craftsmanship. At the age of 17 , he moved to Paris to study at the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne .

His formative years included apprenticeships with legendary designers such as Jacques Fath , Cristóbal Balenciaga , Jean Dessès , and Guy Laroche . These influences shaped Valentino’s refined aesthetic—marked by clean silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and timeless sophistication.

Rise of the Valentino Fashion House

In 1960 , Valentino co-founded the Valentino fashion house in Rome. The label rapidly gained international acclaim, particularly for its opulent eveningwear and the iconic shade known globally as “Valentino Red.”

Over the decades, Valentino dressed royalty, heads of state, and leading cultural figures, cementing his brand’s place among the most prestigious luxury houses in the world.

Global Influence and Celebrity Patronage

Valentino’s creations were favoured by some of the most celebrated figures in modern culture, including Elizabeth Taylor , Julia Roberts , Sharon Stone , and Gwyneth Paltrow .

Known universally by his first name, Valentino stood alongside contemporaries such as Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld . In 1998 , he sold Valentino SpA to Italian conglomerate HdP for around USD 300 million , though he remained creatively involved until his retirement in 2008 .

Final Rites and End of an Era

Valentino will lie in state on Wednesday and Thursday , with his funeral scheduled for Friday at 11 am in Rome . While the cause of death has not been made public, his passing is widely viewed as the symbolic end of a generation of fashion titans who defined modern luxury. His legacy endures through his brand, his design philosophy, and his lasting influence on haute couture worldwide.

Exam-Focused Points

• Valentino Garavani founded the Valentino fashion house in Rome in 1960 .

• He studied fashion in Paris at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne .

• “Valentino Red” is a globally recognised signature colour.

• Valentino retired from active designing in 2008 .

• He was a central figure in Italian haute couture and luxury fashion .