Valentino, Iconic Italian Fashion Designer, Dies at 93

Valentino Garavani, the mastermind behind the illustrious Valentino fashion brand, has died, Vogue confirmed. He was 93.

“Our founder, Valentino Garavani passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones,” the caption of a collaborative Instagram post between his account and his foundation read. “The lying in state will be held at PM23 in Piazza Mignanelli 23 on Wednesday January 21st and Thursday January 22nd, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. The funeral will take place on Friday, January 23rd at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, in Piazza della Repubblica 8 in Rome, at 11 am.”

Among those who sent their condolences in the comments section was Pierpaolo Piccioli, who was previously creative director for Valentino from 2008 to 2024. The fashion designer was succeeded by Alessandro Michele, formerly of Gucci.

Garavani was an accredited designer for Hollywood stars including Elizabeth Taylor, Nicole Kidman and Anne Hathaway, even making a cameo in the actress’ 2006 comedy The Devil Wears Prada.

Born Clemente Ludovico Garavani on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, Italy, Garavani founded the Valentino brand in 1960 after years of studying at École des Beaux-Arts and the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. The designer also served apprenticeships with Balenciaga and late couturier Jacques Fath before building his fashion house. By 2007, Garavani retired and later documented his life story in 2008 documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor.

“At this time, I have decided that is the perfect moment to say adieu to the world of fashion,” Garavani said in a 2007 statement about his retirement, per The New York Times. “As the English say, I would like to leave the party when it is still full.”

Garavani earned prestigious awards for his impact in fashion, including the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement in 2017. Before his death, the designer resided with his longtime partner, former Valentino vice president Bruce Hoeksema.