Valentino Garavani, known by his fashion house name, Valentino, has died. He was 93.
The Italian fashion designer had been working since 1960, when the fashion house first opened in Rome. Since its launch seven decades ago until his retirement in 2008, Valentino had dressed countless public figures, from Nancy Reagan to Princess Diana to Jackie Kennedy.
Valentino’s death was confirmed on Instagram
The iconic designer’s death was announced by the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation, via a statement on Instagram on January 19.
“Valentino Garavani passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones,” the statement read. The post also announced that his body would lie in state in Valentino and Gincarlo’s Piazza Mignanelli 23 between January 21 and 22. On January 23, a funeral will be held at Rome’s Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri.
He was born in Lombardy, Italy, in 1932. Valentino moved to Paris aged just 17 to study at Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. He initially gained prominence in the 1960s for his “no color” collection of whites and beige designs. But it was the timeless “Valentino Red” he became synonymous with.
The Valentino luxury fashion house is known for its opulence, haute couture, and Italian-inspired romanticism. Jackie Collins repeatedly wore a number Valentino party gowns and padded shoulder suits during her stint on the soap opera Dynasty, which ran from 1981 to 1989.
Valentino and his business partner, Giancarlo Giammetti, worked together for over 50 years. The pair were introduced via Valentino’s father, both of whom provided financial backing when Valentino founded his fashion house. The two were together romantically for 12 years, but remained friends and business partners until the present.
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