Valentino Garavani Passes Away at 93 — Fashion Icon’s Final Days Revealed
Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian fashion designer who defined red-carpet glamour for decades, has died at the age of 93.
His foundation confirmed the news on January 19, 2026, marking the end of an era for haute couture.
Known simply as Valentino, he dressed global stars including Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian, and Julia Roberts throughout his career.
His signature Valentino Red became one of the most recognizable colors in fashion history.
The designer built his house from the ground up starting in Rome in the late 1950s.
He quickly rose to prominence by creating elegant evening gowns and sophisticated tailoring that appealed to royalty, Hollywood, and high society alike.
Clients included Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who famously wore his designs during key public appearances.
Valentino retired from his namesake brand in 2008 after a 45-year run at the helm.
Even after stepping away, he remained an influential figure with tributes and retrospectives honoring his contributions.
His death comes amid a wave of notable losses in entertainment and creative fields this January.
Place an image here of Valentino Garavani in his atelier surrounded by sketches and fabrics to showcase his creative process.
The announcement highlighted his lifelong dedication to craftsmanship and beauty.
No specific cause of death was disclosed in the initial statement from his foundation.
Tributes poured in from designers, celebrities, and industry insiders who credited him with elevating Italian fashion on the world stage.
His impact extended beyond clothing to shaping cultural ideas of elegance and femininity.
Place another image here of Valentino Garavani posing with one of his iconic red gowns on a model to capture the essence of his signature style.
Fashion historians point to his mastery of silhouette and color as elements that influenced generations of designers.
He received numerous accolades, including the Legion of Honour from France and lifetime achievement honors from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
His passing at 93 represents the close of a chapter for those who followed his work from the 1960s onward.
Place a final image here showing Valentino Garavani at a major fashion event in later years to reflect on his enduring presence.
The fashion community continues to reflect on his legacy as one of the last great couturiers of the 20th century.
