Legendary fashion designer Valentino Garavani has died at the age of 93.
Garavani passed away on Jan. 19 at his home in Rome, according to People. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in haute couture, he founded the iconic Valentino fashion house and dressed generations of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Over the decades, Garavani became a favorite among celebrities including Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Nicole Kidman, who frequently turned to his elegant designs for red carpets and major events.
News of his death was confirmed in a social media post shared on Jan. 19 on Valentino’s personal Instagram account and by his foundation, which announced his passing and paid tribute to his extraordinary legacy in fashion.
A funeral service is scheduled to take place on Jan. 23 in Rome.
Valentino Garavani was one of the most influential and celebrated fashion designers in modern history, best known as the founder of the luxury fashion house Valentino.
Born on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, Italy, Garavani developed a passion for fashion at a young age. He studied at the École des Beaux-Arts and the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne in Paris before launching his own fashion label in Rome in 1960. His early designs quickly gained international attention for their elegance, craftsmanship, and timeless glamour.
Garavani became synonymous with refined luxury, impeccable tailoring, and dramatic silhouettes. He is perhaps best known for creating “Valentino red,” a vibrant shade that became a signature of his brand and a staple on red carpets around the world. His gowns were frequently worn by royalty, socialites, and Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Nicole Kidman.
Throughout his career, Garavani received numerous honors for his contributions to fashion, including Italy’s highest civilian awards and international fashion accolades recognizing his lasting influence on haute couture and ready-to-wear design. His work helped define modern glamour while maintaining a strong connection to traditional Italian craftsmanship.
In 2008, Garavani retired from fashion, staging a celebrated farewell couture show in Paris that marked the end of an era. Even in retirement, his legacy continued to shape the Valentino brand and inspire designers worldwide. Valentino shared his life with longtime partner Bruce Hoeksema, who served as vice president of the fashion house, and the couple had been together since 1982, per People.
