Legendary Fashion Designer Valentino Garavani Passes Away at 93

Fashion has lost a giant. Valentino Garavani, who defined elegance for decades, has died. His final years were marked by silence and rare appearances.

Valentino Garavani, the visionary force behind one of fashion's most glamorous and enduring empires, passed away on January 19, 2026, drawing the curtain on a life steeped in beauty, brilliance, and global influence.

The Valentino Garavani Foundation confirmed the heartbreaking news in a somber social media post.

According to the foundation's Instagram page, Garavani died peacefully at his residence in Rome, surrounded by loved ones.

Details of the memorial were also announced. A public lying in state will take place at PM23, Piazza Mignanelli 23, on January 21 and 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

His funeral is set for Friday, January 23, at 11:00 a.m., at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Piazza della Repubblica, Rome.

Tributes Pour In

Garavani's closest companion and collaborator, Giancarlo Giammetti, shared his grief in a solemn Instagram post: "...forever..." On the same platform, Donatella Versace remembered Garavani as a master of his craft and honored his lifelong bond with Giammetti:

"Today, we lost a true maestro who will forever be remembered for his art. My thoughts go to Giancarlo who never left his side for all these years. He will never be forgotten 🕊️."

From Hollywood, "Marty Supreme" actress Gwyneth Paltrow posted a touching tribute for the late fashion designer, featuring a photo of herself kissing Valentino on the cheek. She 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."

She also described Garavani's passing as the end of an era. She said he will be missed by her and many others who loved him.

Meanwhile, "Sex and the City" star Sarah Jessica Parker also shared a black Instagram post with bold red letters that read "RIP VAVA," along with Garavani's birth and death dates. She captioned her post:

"So many memories. So happy to recall. Of course, wish I had more.For your extraordinary talent, your decadent generosity and your love of all things beautiful, we are all more fortunate for the grand gestures you shared with the world. Godspeed Valentino Garavani.X, SJ"

A Final Honor

In his final years, Garavani largely withdrew from public view. One of the last public tributes came in October 2025, when he was honored with the WWD John B. Fairchild Lifetime Achievement Award, although the designer did not attend the ceremony.

Instead, Giammetti accepted the award on behalf of the Valentino brand. The moment became even more poignant when actress Anne Hathaway, a devoted brand muse, presented the award on stage.

In a separate Instagram post, Valentino called the recognition "a profoundly moving moment" and expressed deep gratitude.

He also highlighted the ongoing mission of the Fondazione Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti, which supports fashion, art, and philanthropy.

Rare Public Moments Before His Death

Among Garavani's last known public appearances were several events that drew attention for their quiet elegance and emotional weight.

In 2018, he attended the world premiere of "Ocean's 8" in New York City, appearing alongside Hathaway.

The following year, in 2019, he was seen at the Green Carpet Fashion Awards at Teatro alla Scala in Milan, where he was photographed with Italian screen legend Sophia Loren.

That same year, in June 2019, Garavani also appeared in Paris for a tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld during Paris Fashion Week – Menswear Spring/Summer 2020.

He was seen outside the Grand Palais, arriving for the event titled "Karl for Ever." Dressed in a double-breasted suit and accompanied by two women, the moment was a rare glimpse of the designer in a public fashion setting after his retirement.

How Valentino Ended His Career

In September 2007, Garavani announced his retirement from fashion. He was 75 and had just marked 45 years in the industry. The decision closed a career that began in the 1960s.

Over the years, he dressed some of the world's most glamorous women, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor.

Garavani announced he would retire after presenting his final ready-to-wear collection in Paris in October 2007 and a last haute couture show in January 2008.

In a public statement, he called it the "perfect moment" to say goodbye. He said he felt lucky to spend his life doing what he loved. He also said his future would be filled with new interests and challenges.

He expressed support for the team continuing his work:

"I realise the house that carries my name will go through some changes but I wish to think that the team of designers of the various lines - some of whom have been working by my side of many years - will make me proud of Valentino's products."

The Valentino brand story began in 1960, when Garavani met Giammetti in Rome. By September that year, after a trip to Capri, they had become a couple. Their partnership, personal and professional, helped shape the house.

Garavani became a global fashion figure while Giammetti led the business side. After decades of building the brand together, both eventually left the fashion house.

Even after retiring, they remained visible in fashion. They attended Valentino shows and hosted friends such as Paltrow, Hathaway, and Madonna at their homes and on their 152-foot superyacht.

In recent years, they turned to legacy work. They unveiled a project for an international center for fashion, art, and culture in a 10,800-square-foot palazzo.

Although he has passed, Garavani's name remains closely tied to a legacy of elegance and cultural relevance. That legacy continues through his brand and the work of the Fondazione Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti.