On the evening of January 19, 2026, the world of haute couture lost its most devoted architect of beauty. Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian designer who defined global elegance for over six decades, passed away peacefully at his home in Rome at the age of 93. His death marks the conclusion of a storied chapter in fashion history one defined by uncompromising glamour, Roman sophistication, and a specific, fiery shade of red that became his immortal signature.
Born in 1932 in Voghera, Italy, Valentino’s journey began with a childhood obsession with the silver screen. Mesmerized by the opulent costumes of Hollywood’s golden age, he moved to Paris at seventeen to study at the École des Beaux-Arts. After refining his technical skills as an apprentice for Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche, he returned to Rome in 1959 to establish his own atelier on the Via Condotti. While he possessed an innate talent for draping, it was his 1960 meeting with Giancarlo Giammetti that secured his future. Giammetti became his lifelong partner in both life and business, managing the empire so that Valentino could focus entirely on his pursuit of aesthetic perfection.
The hallmark of the Valentino house was, and remains, “Rosso Valentino.” Inspired by a woman he saw at the opera in Barcelona as a student, he spent his career perfecting a vibrant, orange-tinged scarlet. He believed red was the only color that could rival black in its versatility, yet surpass it in its power to command a room. This hue became a symbol of the “Jet Set” era, a period of high-octane glamour where Valentino reigned supreme.
His influence was perhaps most visible through his relationship with Jacqueline Kennedy. Following the tragic loss of her husband, she sought solace in the understated elegance of Valentino’s designs. Most famously, she chose a lace-trimmed ivory Valentino gown for her 1968 wedding to Aristotle Onassis, an image that remains one of the most iconic fashion moments of the 20th century. Over the decades, he became the designer of choice for royalty and Hollywood icons alike, from Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren to modern muses like Julia Roberts and Anne Hathaway.
Valentino was often referred to as “The Last Emperor,” a moniker that reflected his refusal to succumb to the fleeting, often “ugly” trends of modern fashion. He had no interest in minimalism or grunge; his work was an unapologetic celebration of the female form, utilizing intricate embroidery, delicate ruffles, and the most luxurious fabrics in existence. To wear a Valentino gown was to participate in a tradition of excellence that felt both historic and deeply personal.
Though he officially retired from his namesake house in 2008, his presence continued to loom large over the industry. He watched with a discerning eye as his successors maintained the prestige of the brand, always remaining a fixture on the front row of the world’s most exclusive runways. His lifestyle split between a 17th-century chateau, a Roman villa, and his famous yacht was a living extension of his brand, characterized by impeccable taste and his beloved pack of pugs.
Valentino Garavani’s legacy is not merely found in the archives of his thousands of sketches, but in the way he elevated fashion to a form of high art. He lived a life dedicated to the idea that beauty is a necessity, not a luxury. As he is laid to rest this week in his beloved Rome, the fashion world stands in mourning for a man who did not just dress women, but gave them the confidence to be extraordinary.
