Italian Designer Valentino Passes Away at 93

Italian fashion titan Valentino Garavani, widely known simply as Valentino, has died at the age of 93, his namesake foundation announced on Monday, January 19, 2026.

The legendary couturier, celebrated for his glamorous haute couture, signature “Valentino red,” and decades of influence across the global fashion industry, passed away at his residence in Rome, surrounded by loved ones.

Valentino founded his iconic fashion house in Rome in 1960 after honing his craft and training in Paris, where he learned under prestigious ateliers before returning to Italy to launch his own label. Over the course of a nearly half-century career, his designs became synonymous with elegance, drawing admiration from royalty, Hollywood stars, political figures, and style icons alike.

His brand quickly became a cornerstone of luxury fashion, known for its sumptuous gowns, meticulous craftsmanship, and the distinctive shade of red that came to bear his name. Valentino’s creations graced red carpets, royal occasions, and gala events around the world, dressing clients including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Diana, Julia Roberts, and many others.

Valentino’s impact extended beyond couture into ready-to-wear, accessories, and fragrances, helping shape the modern luxury landscape. Despite retiring from active design in 2008, he remained a revered figure in fashion circles and continued to influence the industry through his foundation and cultural initiatives.

Plans have been announced for a public lying-in-state at the PM23 cultural space in Rome, scheduled for January 21-22. The funeral services are scheduled at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri on Friday, January 23. Tributes have poured in from designers, celebrities, world leaders, and fashion communities worldwide, honoring Valentino’s legacy as a maestro of style and an enduring symbol of Italian haute couture.