Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, the legendary couturier known simply as Valentino, has died at the age of 93, his foundation announced on Monday.
Valentino, who retired in 2008, passed away at his Roman residence surrounded by family, the foundation said on Instagram. “Valentino Garavani passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones,” the statement read.
The lying-in-state will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, with the funeral scheduled in Rome on Friday at 11:00 a.m. (1000 GMT).
Founder of the iconic Valentino brand, Garavani transformed haute couture with his elegant designs and business acumen, creating a global fashion empire. He is credited with popularising “Valentino Red,” a signature shade that became synonymous with glamour and sophistication.
Valentino was regarded as one of the last of a generation of designers who defined fashion before it became a global commercial industry dominated by marketing and corporate interests.
He was ranked alongside legends such as Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld, the latter of whom passed away in 2019, while Armani died in September 2025.
Throughout his career, Valentino’s creations graced red carpets, royal events, and the wardrobes of celebrities, solidifying his place as an enduring symbol of Italian elegance and craftsmanship.
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