Valentino Garavani, the legendary fashion designer, passed away on Monday at his home in Rome, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 93 years old and leaves behind a storied legacy in the fashion world.
Fans and colleagues will have the opportunity to pay their respects as Garavani will lie in state at PM23 on Piazza Mignanelli 23 on Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A funeral service is scheduled for Friday at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Piazza della Repubblica at 11 a.m.
Born Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani in Voghera, near Milan, on May 11, 1932, Garavani was inspired from a young age by the glamorous world of fashion and cinema, adopting the nickname “the Sheik” after silent film star Rudolph Valentino. He pursued his passion by studying at the Berlitz School in Milan and the Istituto di Moda Santa Marta, before moving to Paris to train at the École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne.
His career took off when he began working at the renowned couture house Jean Dessès in 1952, before moving to Guy Laroche. By the time he was just 26 years old, Garavani debuted his first collection in his salons on Via Condotti in Rome on February 28, 1959. His vision for sophisticated and elegant women’s attire quickly gained attention.
Valentino’s partnership with Giancarlo Giammetti played a crucial role in building his iconic brand over their 65 years together. Giammetti’s business savvy complemented Garavani’s creative flair, helping to cement Valentino’s place in the luxury fashion hierarchy.
Throughout the decades, Valentino dressed some of the most influential figures in society, including Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Vreeland, and Jackie Kennedy. His celebrity clientele and high-society connections helped propel the brand to international fame.
In the late 1990s, Valentino experienced a significant transformation when it was purchased by the Holding di Partecipazioni Industriali, a Fiat-controlled conglomerate, for approximately $300 million. The brand continued to evolve, being sold multiple times and achieving notable milestones, such as hosting an iconic fashion show in celebration of its 45th anniversary in 2007.
Recently, Garavani and Giammetti focused their efforts on the Valentino Foundation, which promotes cultural and charitable activities. The foundation obtained a historic palazzo in Rome, known as PM23, which was inaugurated last May with the exhibition “Horizons | Red,” featuring a stunning display of red dresses alongside renowned artworks.
While Garavani’s passing signifies the end of an era, his influence on fashion and his philanthropic contributions through the foundation offer a beacon of hope for future generations in the industry. His remarkable journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring designers worldwide, who look to blend creativity with compassion in their work.