Italian fashion legend Valentino Garavani, one of the most influential couturiers of the modern era, has died at the age of 93. The news was confirmed on Monday by the Valentino Garavani Foundation, which announced that the designer passed away peacefully at his residence in Rome, surrounded by loved ones.
Known globally by his first name alone, Valentino was far more than a designer—he was a cultural force who defined elegance, romance, and timeless glamour for over five decades. His passing marks the end of an era that shaped haute couture before fashion became a global, corporate-driven industry.
A Life Devoted to Beauty and Craftsmanship
Born in Voghera, Italy, Valentino Garavani founded the Valentino fashion house in 1960, quickly establishing himself as a master of refined femininity. His designs were celebrated for their impeccable tailoring, luxurious fabrics, and unmistakable sense of drama—qualities that earned him a devoted following among royalty, Hollywood stars, and society’s elite.
Valentino dressed icons such as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, and Princess Diana, becoming synonymous with red-carpet perfection and old-world glamour.
The Birth of Valentino Red
Among his most enduring contributions to fashion was the creation of Valentino Red, a signature shade that became instantly recognizable and eternally linked to the brand. More than a color, it became a symbol of confidence, passion, and Italian sophistication—an innovation that secured Valentino’s place in fashion history.
A Titan Among Fashion’s Greats
Valentino was often mentioned in the same breath as Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld, representing the final generation of designers who built global luxury empires through pure creative vision. While Lagerfeld passed away in 2019 and Armani in September 2025, Valentino’s death now closes a defining chapter in fashion history.
Unlike today’s highly commercialized industry, Valentino’s world was one where couture reigned supreme and craftsmanship mattered above all else.
Retirement and Final Farewell
Valentino retired from fashion in 2008 after a legendary career, leaving behind a house that continues to influence luxury fashion worldwide. According to the foundation, a lying in state will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, followed by a funeral service in Rome on Friday at 11:00 a.m.
An Eternal Legacy
Though Valentino Garavani has left this world, his legacy remains immortal—stitched into gowns, etched into fashion history, and carried forward through a brand that continues to embody timeless elegance.
At Baroque Lifestyle, we honor Valentino not just as a designer, but as an artist who transformed fashion into poetry, color into identity, and luxury into an enduring cultural language.