The world of fashion is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic figures.
Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian designer whose creations defined elegance for decades, passed away peacefully at the age of 93, surrounded by his loved ones at his home in Rome.
The news was confirmed by his foundation on Instagram, sharing the sorrowful announcement with fans and followers worldwide.
Public Tribute and Funeral Arrangements
The Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti shared the details of his farewell.
Valentino’s body will lie in state at Piazza Mignanelli 23 in Rome on Wednesday, January 21, and Thursday, January 22, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This will allow admirers and the public to pay their respects. His funeral is scheduled for Friday, January 23, at 11 a.m., at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Piazza della Repubblica 8, Rome.
From a Small Town in Italy to Global Stardom
Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani was born in 1932 in Voghera, a small town south of Milan.
His fascination with fashion began in childhood, and by the age of 17, he had moved to Paris to study at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts and the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne.
Throughout the 1950s, Valentino trained under renowned Parisian couture houses, refining his skills and cultivating his unique design sensibility.
In 1959, he returned to Italy and opened his own fashion house in Rome, quickly attracting high-profile clients, including Elizabeth Taylor, who became one of his earliest loyal patrons.
The Partnership That Defined an Era
In 1960, Valentino met Giancarlo Giammetti, who would become both his business partner and lifelong confidant.
Together, they founded Maison Valentino, a fashion empire that would go on to dress royalty, celebrities, and style icons for over six decades.
Among his most notable clients were Jacqueline Kennedy, Victoria Beckham, and Kim Kardashian, cementing his reputation as a designer synonymous with glamour and sophistication.
A Lasting Influence on Fashion
Valentino’s influence extended far beyond the runways of Rome and Paris.
He transformed red-carpet fashion, created timeless haute couture, and inspired generations of designers with his meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to elegance.
Even now, his legacy continues to shape the fashion world, ensuring that his name will remain synonymous with beauty, grace, and artistry for years to come.
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