Italian fashion designer Valentino, the man who transformed haute couture, passes away at 93

Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani was popularly known by his first name Valentino. (Picture Credit: X)

• Designer Valentino Garavani died at 93 in Rome on January 19, 2026.
• Funeral on Jan 23 at Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, Rome
• Tributes poured in from celebrities and leaders, honoring his fashion legacy

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Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani passed away at the age of 93 on January 19, 2026. His foundation announced the news on Instagram and wrote, "Valentino Garavani passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones."

A lying in state will be held on Wednesday and Thursday to honour the designer. The funeral will take place on January 23, 2026, at Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, in Piazza della Repubblica 8 in Rome, at 11 am (1000 GMT).

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The designer was popularly known by his first name Valentino. He was born in 1932 in a town called Voghera in northern Italy. He was always interested in fashion and began his career in Paris where he worked under designers like Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche. Eventually, he went on to start his own fashion house in Rome around 1960. His breakthrough moment came in 1962 when he showcased his collection of white gowns and dresses in Florence. In a way, that put the designer on the map and his prominence kept rising. He hobnobbed with influential people like former Vogue editor Diana Vreeland and his clientele included names like Audrey Hepburn, Princess Diana, Elizabeth Taylor and more.

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Tributes have poured in since the news of Valentino's passing away has come about. Italian PM Giorgia Meloni wrote on X, "Valentino, undisputed master of style and elegance and eternal symbol of Italian high fashion. Today Italy loses a legend, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations. Thank you for everything."

Actor Sonam Kapoor also wrote, "The last of the titans. RIP."

Hollywood actor Gwyneth Paltrow expressed her emotions on Valentino's passing away and wrote, "I was so lucky to know and love Valentino - to know the real man, in private. The man who was in love with beauty, his family, his muses, his friends. His dogs, his gardens, and a good Hollywood story. I loved him so much. I loved how he always pestered me to "at least wear a little mascara" when I came to dinner. I loved his naughty laugh."

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Valentino's death comes just months after the passing of another Italian style legend, Giorgio Armani.