Valentino Garavani, founder and renowned designer of the Italian Valentino fashion brand, has sadly passed away at the age of 93.
His foundation announced his death on their Instagram page on Jan. 19, saying he died while surrounded by those who loved him most.
“Our founder, Valentino Garavani passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones,” the caption said.
Valentino Garavani’s Funeral Arrangements
His foundation also provided funeral details, which will allow his dearest friends and colleagues whom he mentored to pay their respects.
“The lying in state will be held at PM23 in Piazza Mignanelli 23 on Wednesday January 21st and Thursday January 22nd, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. The funeral will take place on Friday, January 23rd at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, in Piazza della Repubblica 8 in Rome, at 11 am.” the caption detailed.
Remembering Valentino Garavani
GettyGaravani founded Valentino in 1960 in the heart of Rome, Italy. He then launched the brand in Florence two years later. What would come next was one of the most successful fashion careers to exist.
He began his career by styling Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana and Elizabeth Taylor, going on to design unforgettable ensembles for Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Naomi Campbell and many more A-listers, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
One of the telltale signs that a dress was designed by Valentino was its striking red color. When he was a young boy, he would attend the Opera in Barcelona with his father. It was there where he found a deeper meaning for the color that would carry on his legacy.
“All the costumes on the stage were red… All the women in the boxes were mostly dressed in red, and they leaned forward like geraniums on balconies, and the seats and drapes were red too… I realized that after black and white, there was no finer color,” he said, as reported by Glam Observer.
Garavani announced his retirement in 2008 after nearly 50 years of respected success. “At this time, I have decided that is the perfect moment to say adieu to the world of fashion. As the English say, I would like to leave the party when it is still full,” he said in a statement, according to The New York Times. “I have been very lucky to be able to do what I have loved all my life. There can be few greater gifts than that.”
