Valentino Garavani, the Italian fashion designer known worldwide as Valentino, has died at ninety-three. The Valentino Garavani Foundation confirmed his death in a statement.
He passed away at his home in Rome on 19 January 2026. His funeral service will take place on 23 January at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome, Italy.
Early Life and Fashion Training
Born in Voghera on 11 May 1932, Valentino trained in Milan and Paris. He worked under Jean Desses and Guy Laroche before returning to Italy.
In 1959, he founded his fashion house on Rome’s Via Condotti, despite early financial challenges.
Career Legacy and Global Influence
Valentino became known for glamorous evening wear and his signature red tone. His clients included Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Julia Roberts, and Princess Diana.
The Valentino brand expanded into ready-to-wear, menswear, and accessories. In 1998, the label was sold for an estimated $300 million. Valentino retired from fashion in 2008.
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