Fashion legend Valentino Garavani passes away

Born in 1932 in Voghera, Italy, Valentino initially trained at haute couture ateliers in Paris. He then established his own fashion house in Rome in 1959. Gradually, he became internationally recognized for his impeccable tailoring, royal designs, and a distinctive red color later known worldwide as ‘Valentino Red’.

In 1960, he began both a professional and personal relationship with Giancarlo Giammetti. This partnership transformed the Valentino brand into a global fashion empire. Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Joan Collins, Belgium’s Queen Paola, and former U.S. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis were among his admirers. He even designed Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress in 1968.

Throughout his long career, Valentino regularly appeared at major red carpet events, including the Oscars. Many contemporary stars such as Jane Fonda, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Lopez, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, and Zendaya have graced events wearing his designs.

Although he sold his fashion house in 1998 for nearly 30 million dollars, he remained actively involved in fashion for another decade. He retired in 2008, with his farewell show at the Rodin Museum in Paris, featuring models in ‘Valentino Red’ gowns, leaving a memorable mark in fashion history.

Valentino’s passing has cast a shadow of mourning worldwide. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called him an eternal symbol of Italian haute couture. Fashion experts consider Valentino’s departure as the conclusion of a golden era, leaving behind a legacy of beauty, artistic discipline, and elegance that will inspire future generations.