At a Glance
- Legendary Italian designer Valentino Garavani died at 93 in his Roman home, his brand announced on January 19.
- Stars including Gwyneth Paltrow, Cindy Crawford, and Zac Posen have posted emotional tributes on social media.
- Public lying in state will be held January 21-22; funeral is scheduled for January 23 at Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome.
Why it matters: Valentino dressed generations of A-listers and helped define red-carpet glamour for more than five decades.
Valentino Garavani, founder of the celebrated Valentino fashion house, has died at 93. The announcement came via the designer’s personal Instagram and his foundation on January 19, stating he passed away at his Roman residence surrounded by loved ones.
Memorial Plans
The fashion house released full details of the upcoming services:
- Lying in state: PM23, Piazza Mignanelli 23, Rome
- Wednesday, January 21, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Thursday, January 22, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Funeral: Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, Piazza della Repubblica 8, Rome
- Friday, January 23, 11 a.m.
Star Tributes
Industry legends quickly flooded the announcement post with messages of grief. Pierpaolo Piccioli, former creative director of Valentino, left only a broken-heart emoji.
Gwyneth Paltrow
Paltrow, a longtime friend and client, shared a photo of herself kissing Valentino’s cheek 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.”
She ended the post: “This feels like the end of an era. He will be deeply missed by me and all who loved him. Rest in peace, Vava 💔”
Cindy Crawford
The supermodel posted a photoset of herself and the designer, writing:
> “I’m heartbroken to hear of Valentino Garavani’s passing. He was a true master of his craft, and I will always be grateful for the years I had the privilege of working closely with him. ❤️🩹”
Coco Rocha
Rocha called Valentino “another giant of our industry, and a true gentleman,” adding:
> “I was lucky to know Valentino, not just as the iconic Roman couturier, but as a warm, generous presence who shaped fashion with grace, discipline, and beauty. His legacy lives on in the restraint, elegance and conviction that defined both the man and his work.”
Zac Posen
Posen honored the late designer in an extensive Instagram caption:
> “Mr. Valentino has left us, and with him an era of rare elegance and grace. He believed deeply in glamour, in beauty, and above all in the power and love of women. He was a true gentleman and a romantic in every sense of the word.”
Posen continued, “He was always generous and kind, welcoming so many of us into the beautiful world he and his family created over decades. To experience that generosity, even briefly, was a true gift.”
He concluded, “Sending my love and deepest condolences to his family, his chosen family, his loved ones, and his loyal atelier family. The world is more beautiful because he was in it.”
Kelly Cutrone
The fashion publicist recalled pitching for the Valentino account:
> “A long time ago on December 23, I received a phone call from Graziano the President of Valentino asking me to pitch for the account. I spent the day in my parents home office writing away – my mom was so mad and saying – can’t you stop working and spend some time with your family? I said Mom – it’s Valentino!”
Cutrone’s company staged what she called “an epic epic night and campaign” for the house, ending her post with “Sending love and thanks to the Valentino family.”
A Celebrity Favorite
Valentino was a go-to designer for Hollywood’s elite. Regular clients included Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman, and Anne Hathaway, among many others.
Key Takeaways
- Valentino Garavani died at 93 in Rome, his brand confirmed on January 19.
- Public memorial services will take place January 21-22, followed by a funeral on January 23.
- Celebrities from Gwyneth Paltrow to Cindy Crawford are sharing heartfelt tributes online.
- The designer leaves behind a legacy of timeless glamour that defined red-carpet fashion for more than 50 years.
