Italian Fashion Icon Valentino Garavani Dies at 93, Leaving a Lasting Legacy in Global Couture

Italian Fashion Icon Valentino Garavani Dies at 93, Leaving a Lasting Legacy in Global Couture

The global fashion industry is mourning the loss of one of its most influential figures. Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian designer and founder of the Valentino fashion house, died on January 19, 2026, at the age of 93. His passing marks the end of a golden era in haute couture and Italian luxury fashion, leaving behind a legacy that shaped decades of global style.

Born Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, Italy, Valentino showed an early passion for art, beauty, and design. Determined to pursue fashion at the highest level, he moved to Paris to study at the prestigious École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, where he refined his technical skills and developed a sophisticated design philosophy. His early professional experiences in France played a crucial role in shaping the elegant aesthetic that would later define his work.

In 1960, Valentino returned to Italy and founded the Valentino fashion house in Rome. The brand quickly gained international recognition for its refined craftsmanship, luxurious fabrics, and timeless silhouettes. Central to his identity was the iconic shade known as “Valentino red,” a bold yet elegant color that became synonymous with glamour, passion, and high fashion. This signature hue would go on to define his brand and become one of the most recognizable elements in fashion history.

Valentino’s designs were celebrated for their femininity, precision, and romantic elegance. Lace detailing, flowing gowns, intricate embroidery, and impeccable tailoring became hallmarks of his collections. His work resonated deeply with women who sought sophistication and grace, and his designs consistently balanced tradition with modernity.

Throughout his career, Valentino dressed some of the most prominent women of the 20th century. His creations were worn by Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, and Jacqueline Kennedy, among many others. Jacqueline Kennedy, in particular, became closely associated with the designer, wearing his gowns for both public appearances and private occasions. These high-profile relationships elevated Valentino’s status and helped cement his reputation as one of the world’s most trusted couture designers.

Beyond celebrity fashion, Valentino played a pivotal role in establishing Italy as a global luxury powerhouse. At a time when Paris dominated haute couture, he helped position Rome as an international fashion capital alongside Milan and Paris. His influence extended far beyond the runway, shaping how Italian craftsmanship and elegance were perceived worldwide.

Valentino received numerous honors throughout his lifetime, including international awards recognizing his contribution to fashion and culture. In 2009, his life and career were documented in the acclaimed film “Valentino: The Last Emperor,” which offered an intimate look into his creative world and his long-standing partnership with business associate Giancarlo Giammetti.

After officially retiring from active fashion design in 2008, Valentino remained an enduring presence in the fashion world. Though no longer designing collections himself, he continued to attend major fashion events and remained a respected voice within the industry. The Valentino brand continued to thrive, built on the strong creative foundation he had established.

His death was confirmed by the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation, which stated that he passed away peacefully at his home in Rome. Tributes have poured in from designers, fashion houses, celebrities, and cultural institutions around the world, all acknowledging his immense influence and artistic vision.

Valentino Garavani was more than a designer; he was a guardian of beauty, elegance, and craftsmanship. His work transcended trends and time, creating garments that continue to inspire designers and fashion lovers alike. While his passing leaves a profound void in the fashion world, his legacy lives on through his designs, his brand, and the generations he influenced.