Valentino Garavani
Italian fashion legend, Valentino Garavani, has died at the age of 93, his foundation announced on Monday.
In a statement, the Fondazione Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti said the designer passed away at his home in Rome, surrounded by loved ones. Lying in state will be held on January 21 and 22 at PM23 in Piazza Mignanelli, with his funeral scheduled for Friday, January 23, at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome.
Known simply as Valentino, the designer dressed generations of royalty, first ladies and Hollywood stars, including Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Julia Roberts and Queen Rania of Jordan. “I know what women want,” he once said. “They want to be beautiful.”
Celebrated for his timeless elegance rather than edgy trends, Valentino enjoyed a career spanning nearly five decades, from the 1960s in Rome to his retirement in 2008. His refined designs made him a red-carpet favourite for global A-listers.
His gowns featured prominently at the Academy Awards, including Julia Roberts’ iconic black-and-white dress in 2001 and Cate Blanchett’s butter-yellow silk gown in 2004.