Farewell to Valentino: Remembering the Last Emperor of Fashion

Valentino Garavani has died in Rome at 93, leaving an extraordinary legacy in haute couture

Farewell to Valentino: Valentino Garavani, the last emperor of Italian fashion, passed away today in Rome at the age of 93. A statement from the Valentino Garavani Foundation confirmed: “Our founder, Valentino Garavani, passed away today in his Roman residence, surrounded by the love of his family.”

The funeral home will be set up at PM23, Piazza Mignanelli 23, on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 January from 11:00 to 18:00. The funeral will be held on Friday 23 January at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, Piazza della Repubblica 8, Rome, at 11:00.

After Valentino, there is no one else: his influence on fashion was unparalleled. Dubbed “the victorious” by Time, he defined the modern concept of haute couture. While Versace celebrated sensuality and Armani redefined elegance, Valentino Garavani was the couturier par excellence. He dedicated his life to making women feel beautiful, creating iconic designs worn by Nancy Reagan, Sophia Loren, Aretha Franklin, Brooke Shields, Anne Hathaway, Liz Taylor, and Jackie Kennedy.

Born on 11 May 1932 in Voghera, Valentino began his career in Paris with Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche before returning to Rome to open his boutique in Via Condotti in 1959. His breakthrough came in 1962 at Pitti Moda in Florence, a collection destined to make history. His career expanded internationally, with boutiques in Paris, New York, Tokyo, Geneva, and Lausanne, cementing his legacy as a global fashion icon.

Valentino’s life was filled with glamour and audacity: winters in Gstaad, summers aboard his 46-metre yacht, soirées with Hollywood stars and royals. In 2007, he retired from the catwalk with a three-day celebration in Rome, attended by international celebrities and documented in Valentino the Last Emperor.

Farewell to Valentino marks the end of an era in haute couture. His vision, elegance, and dedication to beauty will continue to inspire designers and fashion lovers worldwide.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)