Farewell to a Legend: Fashion Designer Valentino Dies

The global fashion fraternity is in mourning following the announcement that the legendary Italian couturier, Valentino Garavani, has passed away. He was 93. The news was confirmed late on Monday, 19 January 2026, from Rome, the city that served as the creative heart of his empire for over six decades. While the specific cause of death has not been officially disclosed, his passing marks the end of an era for high fashion.

The Architect of Elegance

Born in the Lombardy region of Italy in 1932, Valentino’s journey into the world of aesthetics began early. At the age of 17, he moved to Paris to study at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts, absorbing the techniques of French couture that would later define his meticulous style. In 1960, he returned to Rome to co-found the Maison Valentino alongside Giancarlo Giammetti.

Valentino quickly ascended to the pinnacle of the industry, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with contemporaries like Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld. He became globally synonymous with a specific, vibrant shade of crimson that came to be known as “Valentino Red.”

A Career of Distinction: Valentino Garavani

Dressing the Icons

Valentino’s influence was cemented by his relationship with Hollywood and the global elite. His designs were a staple of the Academy Awards and royal galas, worn by icons such as Elizabeth Taylor, Nancy Reagan, Julia Roberts, and Sharon Stone. His ability to blend traditional femininity with modern luxury made him a favourite for high-profile bridal wear, most notably designing the wedding dress for Jacqueline Kennedy for her marriage to Aristotle Onassis in 1968.

Funeral Arrangements

In a statement shared via his official Instagram account, the Maison announced that members of the public will be able to pay their respects this week. His body will lie in state on Wednesday and Thursday at the Piazza Mignanelli in Rome, the historic square that houses his flagship atelier.

The funeral service is scheduled for Friday, 23 January, at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri. It is expected to be attended by the upper echelons of the fashion world and international dignitaries, honouring a man who truly redefined Italian glamour.