Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian fashion designer, passed away at the age of 93 at his residence in Rome. The cause of his death has not yet been revealed. His passing marks the end of an era in global haute couture. Valentino was widely celebrated for his elegance, creativity, and the signature color that bears his name—Valentino Red.
Valentino began his rise in the fashion world during the 1960s. He became the first Italian designer to showcase collections on Paris’s exclusive haute couture runways. From the start, his designs were marked by romanticism, sophistication, and meticulous craftsmanship. He quickly became a favorite of Hollywood stars, including Elizabeth Taylor, Lana Turner, Judy Garland, Sharon Stone, and Penélope Cruz. Jackie Kennedy also frequently chose his designs.
Valentino’s creations were known for their delicate fabrics, flowing georgette, chiffon ruffles, and ornate detailing. He introduced the now-iconic Valentino Red in 1959 with a strapless cocktail dress. The color, inspired by a graceful elderly woman at Barcelona’s opera house, became synonymous with the designer’s name and appeared in nearly every collection. Valentino considered red the color of courage, beauty, and heroism.
Born in Voghera, south of Milan, Valentino was an only child in a well-off family. His father ran an electrical supplies business. Valentino showed an early interest in art and fashion. He studied in Milan and Paris and trained under renowned designer Jean Dessès. In 1960, he returned to Italy and opened his fashion house in Rome. That same year, Elizabeth Taylor wore a Valentino gown to the premiere of Spartacus.
Valentino also met Giancarlo Giammetti in a Roman café in 1960. Giammetti became his lifelong business partner and companion. He managed the business side of the company while Valentino focused on design. The two maintained a partnership spanning decades, built on trust, creativity, and shared vision.
Despite international fame, Valentino remained humble and private. He was known for his superstitions, introverted nature, and love for chocolate, skiing, and his pugs. He retired from active fashion design in 2008. His decision was to “leave the party while it was still full,” stepping away gracefully at the height of his influence.
Valentino also played a key role in building a global business empire. He sold the Valentino fashion house to Qatari investment fund Mayhoola in 2012. In 2023, French luxury group Kering acquired a stake, with plans for full ownership deferred to 2028. Valentino and Giammetti remained active in promoting arts and culture. In 2025, they opened the PM23 gallery in Rome, adjacent to the Valentino headquarters. Its inaugural exhibition, Horizons/Red, celebrated the iconic color that defined his brand.
Valentino’s influence extended beyond fashion. He was a mentor, a cultural icon, and a designer whose creations empowered women. His dedication to beauty and elegance, combined with his craftsmanship and creativity, left an enduring mark on the fashion industry. Generations of designers, celebrities, and fans continue to celebrate his work.
We welcome your contributions! Submit your blogs, opinion pieces, press releases, news story pitches, and news features to opinion@minutemirror.com.pk and minutemirrormail@gmail.com
Comments are closed.