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Thomas Mackintosh
Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, known as Valentino, has died at the age of 93.
One of the giants of 20th century fashion, Valentino’s creations were worn by celebrities and well-known figures including Elizabeth Taylor, Nancy Reagan, Sharon Stone, Julia Roberts and Gwyneth Paltrow.
He co-founded the Valentino fashion house in 1960 and ranked alongside Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld at the top of the profession.
In a statement posted on Instagram the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation said: “He passed away peacefully in his Roman home, surrounded by the love of his family.”
The foundation said Valentino will be lying in state at Piazza Mignanelli between 21 and 22 January.
Valentino’s funeral service will be held the following day at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs, the foundation said.
Born in Lombardy in May 1932, Valentino was known for his collections that displayed luxury, wealth and opulence as well as broad shoulder padding.
He moved to Paris to study at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne when he was just 17, and went on to work with Jacques Fath, Balenciaga, Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche.
His creation of the “Valentino red” inspired by a trip to Spain, helped elevate the brand to global fame with the debut of the iconic fiesta dress.
It became such a meaningful colour for the house that for Valentino’s last collection in 2007 all the models wore red dresses for the finale.
In December 2023, Valentino was honoured with the outstanding achievement award at the British Fashion Awards which were held at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Alexandra Shulman, the former editor-in-chief of British Vogue, told BBC Radio 4’s PM programme that every aspect of Valentino “epitomised glamour and luxury”.
“It is very sad news because he was one of the last of the great designers of the modern day and I think his main contribution will be that he was what people wanted a fashion designer to be,” Shulman said.
“He really didn’t care that much that he wasn’t the most fashionable, the most cutting edge designer, he just wanted to produce clothes that were beautiful and they were.
“He also kept his celebrity customers for a long time, he started off with people like Jacqueline Kennedy who wore Valentino when she was in mourning.”
AFP via Getty ImagesShulman listed a number of Hollywood stars who have been big supporters of Valentino’s designs over the last 15 years – including Paltrow, Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Lopez.
“He was helped in later years by the red carpet became such a thing, because that’s what his clothes were about,” Shulman added.
“They weren’t something you slipped on to go to the office – they were really fabulous gowns.”
