Valentino dies at 93: 10 things to know about the fashion icon who defined Global elegance
Legendary fashion designer Valentino Garavani, pictured in Paris in 2019, has died at the age of 93. Image Source: Getty Images.
Valentino Garavani, the Italian designer whose name became synonymous with timeless elegance, high glamour, and luxury couture, has died at the age of 93. His death was announced Monday by his foundation. He passed away at his residence in Rome.
Often described as fashion’s “last emperor,” Valentino shaped how royalty, Hollywood icons, and high society dressed for more than half a century. From Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to Zendaya, his influence spanned generations, continents, and eras.
As tributes pour in from across the fashion world, here are 10 essential things to know about Valentino Garavani, the man who turned beauty into power.
1. Valentino Was Fashion’s Ultimate Arbiter of Taste
Dubbed an “international arbiter of taste” by Vogue, Valentino dressed women for their most defining moments, weddings, state ceremonies, red carpets, and even funerals. His work symbolized grace, dignity, and aristocratic refinement.
Unlike trend-driven designers, Valentino believed in eternal beauty, famously saying, “I try to make my girls look sensational.”
2. He Created the Iconic ‘Valentino Red’
Few designers are associated with a color the way Valentino is with Valentino Red. Introduced in 1959, the bold crimson hue became his signature and a lasting symbol of the brand.
Valentino once called red “a non-fading mark, a logo, an iconic value.”
3. He Dressed Royalty, First Ladies, and Hollywood Legends
Valentino’s clients included:
- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
- Elizabeth Taylor
- Audrey Hepburn
- Farah Diba
- Julia Roberts
- Cate Blanchett
- Gwyneth Paltrow
- Zendaya
From Kennedy’s 1968 wedding dress to Roberts’ Oscar-winning gown in 2001, Valentino’s designs became fashion history moments.
4. He Was Called ‘The Last Emperor’
The nickname was cemented by the 2008 documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor, which offered a rare glimpse into his lavish life, palaces, couture salons, private yachts, and immaculately styled pugs.
In Rome, a popular saying went:
“There is the Pope, and there is Valentino.”
5. His Business Success Was Built With Giancarlo Giammetti
Valentino’s longtime partner Giancarlo Giammetti was the business architect behind the brand. The two met in Rome in 1960 and founded Valentino Company the same year.
While Valentino focused on creativity, Giammetti handled strategy and finance, helping build a global fashion empire that lasted decades.
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6. Valentino Sold His Brand for Nearly $300 Million
In 1998, Valentino and Giammetti sold the company for nearly $300 million. Despite ownership changes over the years, the brand remained a dominant luxury force.
By 2021, Valentino generated $1.36 billion in annual revenue, according to Reuters, proof of the designer’s enduring legacy.
7. He Rejected Trends and Modern Minimalism
During the rise of grunge and minimalism in the 1990s, Valentino refused to adapt.
“I cannot see women destroyed, uncombed, or strange,” he once said.
His commitment to romance, femininity, and glamour set him apart, and ultimately allowed his work to outlast fleeting trends.
8. He Retired in 2008, But Never Truly Left Fashion
Valentino officially retired after his final couture show in 2008. However, he continued designing:
- Wedding gowns for private clients
- Costumes for opera productions
- One-off couture pieces
Fashion, for Valentino, was not a job, it was a way of life.
9. He Lived a Life of Lavish Beauty
Valentino’s homes included:
- A château outside Paris
- A villa in Rome
- A London townhouse
- An apartment overlooking New York’s Frick Collection
- A Swiss chalet
He famously traveled with an entourage, including five impeccably groomed pugs, embodying the glamour he sold to the world.
10. Valentino Wanted to Be Remembered for Beauty
In his later years, Valentino reflected simply on his legacy:
“I hope I will be remembered as a man who pursued beauty wherever he could.”
For an industry increasingly driven by speed and commerce, Valentino represented a lost ideal of elegance as power.
FAQ
Who was Valentino Garavani?
Valentino Garavani was an Italian fashion designer and founder of the Valentino brand, known for defining luxury couture and elegant femininity.
How did Valentino Garavani die?
Valentino died at his home in Rome at age 93. No cause of death was publicly disclosed.
When did Valentino die?
He died on January 19, 2026, according to his foundation.
Why is Valentino so famous?
Valentino dressed royalty, first ladies, and Hollywood icons, and created the iconic Valentino Red, making him one of fashion’s most influential designers.
What is Valentino Red?
Valentino Red is the designer’s signature crimson shade, introduced in 1959 and now synonymous with the Valentino brand.
Who was Giancarlo Giammetti?
Giancarlo Giammetti was Valentino’s longtime business partner and former romantic partner who helped build the Valentino fashion empire.
When did Valentino retire?
Valentino retired from the runway in 2008, though he continued creative work privately.
Is the Valentino brand still active?
Yes. The Valentino fashion house continues to operate globally under new creative leadership.
What documentary made Valentino famous outside fashion?
Valentino: The Last Emperor (2008) offered a behind-the-scenes look at his life and legacy.
What is Valentino’s legacy in fashion?
Valentino’s legacy is one of timeless glamour, refined luxury, and beauty as power, influencing generations of designers and fashion houses.