The Legendary Italian Couturier And Founder Of The Valentino Fashion House Passed Away

The fashion world is in mourning following the passing of  Valentino, the legendary founder of the  Valentino fashion house, who died at the age of 93. The "Last Emperor" of fashion passed away peacefully at his home in Rome on January 19, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones and lifelong partner Giancarlo Giammetti.

Born in 1932, Valentino moved from his small Italian hometown to Paris at age 17, where he honed his craft at the École des Beaux-Arts. After returning to Italy, he opened his first atelier in Rome in 1960. He would go on to define high-glamour femininity for over half a century. The Legacy of "Valentino Red" While he was a master of many silhouettes, he is most famously known for a specific, vibrant shade of crimson that became the brand’s calling card. 

This signature "Valentino Red" was inspired by a trip to the opera in Barcelona during his youth, where he was captivated by the drama and power of the color. Throughout his career, he dressed the world’s most iconic women, including: Jackie Kennedy, Who famously wore a white Valentino gown for her wedding to Aristotle Onassis. Audrey Hepburn: A close friend and muse who embodied the house's effortless elegance. Elizabeth Taylor: Who wore his designs for both private and public triumphs.

Passing the Torch

Though he retired from the runway in 2008, his namesake brand continued to flourish under creative directors like Pierpaolo Piccioli and, most recently, Alessandro Michele. The brand remains a powerhouse of Roman craftsmanship, maintaining the "uncompromising elegance" that  Valentino himself established.

Funeral and Commemoration Details

The Fondazione Valentino Garavani E Giancarlo Giammetti has announced that the maestro will lie in state on January 21 and 22, 2026, at the headquarters in Piazza Mignanelli 23, Rome. The funeral service will follow on Friday, January 23, at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri.

To honor the timeless scent of the city he loved, many enthusiasts are turning to the house's most celebrated modern fragrance.