Valentino Garavani no more: Versace, Armani & industry icons pay tribute 

Italian designer Valentino Garavani, founder of the iconic Valentino brand, passed away at his home in Rome on January 19, 2026. His death marks the end of an era for haute couture, where his signature "Valentino red" and feminine silhouettes dressed royalty, Hollywood stars, and first ladies for decades. He was 93.

Born in 1932 in Voghera, Italy, Garavani studied fashion in Paris before working for established houses like Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche. In 1960, he opened his own atelier, Maison Valentino in Rome with longtime partner Giancarlo Giammetti.

Over a career nearly spanning five decades, his gowns were worn by prominent figures including Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, Nancy Reagan, Princess Diana, Julia Roberts (who wore a vintage Valentino to accept her 2001 Oscar), Jennifer Lopez, and others.

He became widely recognized for his signature vibrant red hue popularly known as "Valentino red", which continued to appear in many of his designs and became a hallmark of his style. It became so popular that for Valentino’s last collection in 2008 all models wore red dresses for the finale. Garavani soon retired after a final haute couture show in Paris.

His death was announced by the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation, stating he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Arrangements include lying in state in Rome's Piazza Mignanelli on January 21-22, with a funeral on January 23 at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs.

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A post shared by Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti (@fondazionevggg)

Tributes have come from many in fashion and entertainment

Giorgia Meloni, Italian Prime Minister was the first to offer tribute to Valentino called him, “an indisputable maestro of eternal style and elegance of Italian high fashion.”

Giorgio Armani: expressed their condolences for Valentino’s passing and join Giancarlo Giammetti and his loved ones in their grief

Gwyneth Paltrow: "I was so lucky to know and love Valentino—to know the real man, in private. I'm heartbroken to hear of Valentino Garavani's passing. He was a true master of his craft, and I will always be grateful for the moments we shared.”

Cindy Crawford: Shared a heartfelt message honoring his "rare elegance and grace.”

Donatella Versace: "Today, we lost a true maestro who will forever be remembered for his art. My thoughts go to Giancarlo who never left his side."

Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner: Remembered him as a "magical" icon who brought glamour to their lives.

Sarah Jessica Parker: Posted an emotional tribute to the designer who made her feel like royalty.

More than a designer, Valentino was a storyteller of elegance and beauty. From red carpet classics to haute couture masterpieces, his work celebrated femininity, sophistication, and artisanal excellence, and his influence will endure in fashion houses and wardrobes around the world.