End of an Era: Fashion Legend Valentino Passes Away at 93

The fashion world is in mourning following the death of Italian style icon Valentino Garavani, the legendary designer whose work defined elegance for generations of celebrities, royals and fashion lovers around the globe. Valentino passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, at his home in Rome at the age of 93, his foundation announced on social media.

Who Was Valentino?

Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani — known simply as Valentino — was one of the most influential figures in modern haute couture. Born in Voghera, Italy in 1932, he studied fashion in Paris before launching his own fashion house Valentino S.p.A. in Rome in 1960. Over the next four decades, he became synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship and timeless glamour, earning global acclaim for his red-carpet creations.

One of Valentino’s most enduring contributions to fashion was his signature shade of “Valentino red,” a striking dark red that became an emblem of his brand and one of haute couture’s most iconic hues. His designs often blended opulence with sophistication, making him a favorite among royals, Hollywood stars and first ladies.

A Global Legacy of Style

Valentino’s influence wasn’t limited to a single era — his creations graced A-list events for nearly half a century. Celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Julia Roberts, Cindy Crawford and figures like Princess Diana and Jackie Kennedy Onassis were among those who wore his designs, cementing his reputation as a master of glamour and red-carpet fashion.

Designers, actors and world leaders paid tribute to his legacy after news of his passing broke. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called him an “undisputed master of style,” while stars including Gwyneth Paltrow and Cindy Crawford shared personal memories, noting his warmth, generosity and profound impact on the fashion industry.

What Made Valentino Special

Valentino didn’t just create clothes — he created moments. His dresses were known for their romantic shapes, exquisite fabrics and meticulous details like bows, lace and embroidery. He had a rare gift for highlighting a woman’s beauty and making his clients feel confident and radiant on life’s biggest stages.

Although he retired in 2008, his influence lives on through the fashion house he built and the countless designers he inspired. Under successive creative directors, Maison Valentino has continued to push creative boundaries while honoring the aesthetic values he set decades ago.

The End of a Fashion Era

Valentino’s death marks the end of an era in the world of haute couture. His legacy — defined by elegance, artistic vision and a devotion to beauty — will be remembered not only in stunning red-carpet gowns but also in the way he shaped modern fashion culture. A public lying in state and funeral services are planned in Rome later this week, where admirers from around the world will gather to pay their respects.

In a world that constantly shifts, Valentino’s work stood for timeless style — a reminder that true elegance never fades. His passing is not just the loss of a designer, but the closing chapter of a global fashion legacy that inspired millions.