Italian designer Valentino Garavani dies at 93

Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian fashion designer and founder of Valentino SpA, has passed away at his residence in Rome. He was 93.

Valentino Garavani, founder of Valentino SpA and one of Italy’s greatest couturiers, has died in Rome aged 93.
Known for refined craftsmanship and timeless elegance, he built Valentino into a global luxury Maison with Giancarlo Giammetti in 1960.
The brand endures under Riccardo Bellini and Alessandro Michele, with tributes highlighting Garavani’s lasting influence on haute couture.

Born in Voghera on May 11, 1932, Garavani was known for his refined craftsmanship and timeless silhouettes. He dressed generations of royalty, Hollywood stars and cultural icons, building Valentino into one of Italy’s most prestigious Maisons. Founded in 1960 in Rome with business partner Giancarlo Giammetti, the house established a distinctive identity rooted in elegance, emotional beauty and couture-level mastery.

Today, the company is led by chief executive officer Riccardo Bellini and creative director Alessandro Michele, who continue to reinterpret the Maison’s heritage for a new generation. Valentino’s portfolio spans haute couture, women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, accessories and beauty.

“The Maison remembers Valentino Garavani with deep emotion and profound affection. We share with heartfelt sympathy the grief of his loved ones, and we remain committed to preserving and elevating the valued creative, cultural, and human heritage he entrusted to us, upon which Maison Valentino is founded,” the house said in an X post.

Paying tribute, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said, Valentino was an undisputed master of style and elegance and the eternal symbol of Italian haute couture. Italy loses a legend, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations.

Even as the fashion world mourns its founder, Valentino maintained a strong presence on the global stage at the 83rd Annual Golden Globes. Brand ambassadors Colman Domingo and Omar Apollo appeared in Valentino Custom looks created by Michele, while Natasha Lyonne, Hannah Einbinder and Adam Brody wore seasonal Valentino collections, underscoring the Maison’s enduring relevance and creative continuity.

The lying in state will be held at PM23, Piazza Mignanelli 23, on January 21 and January 22, 2026. The funeral will take place on January 23, 2026 at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)