At a Glance
- Valentino Garavani passed away at 93 on Jan. 19.
- The funeral was held in Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri.
- Fashion icons like Tom Ford, Donatella Versace, Anna Wintour, and Anne Hathaway attended.
- Attendees wore black or Valentino’s signature red.
- Why it matters: The designer’s death marks the end of an era for haute couture and celebrity fashion worldwide.
The funeral of Italian designer Valentino Garavani was a moment of quiet reverence for a man whose creations have graced the world’s most glamorous events. The ceremony took place on Friday morning in Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, following a two-day public viewing at the Valentino Foundation’s headquarters. The event drew an impressive array of fashion leaders, Hollywood stars, and devoted fans.
A Reverent Gathering
The day was marked by solemnity and subtle homage. While most mourners wore traditional black, a number of attendees chose Valentino’s signature red, a color that has become synonymous with the house’s identity.
Notable Attendees
- Tom Ford – celebrated designer and former creative director of Gucci.
- Donatella Versace – head of the Versace fashion house.
- Anna Wintour – former Vogue Editor-in-Chief.
- Anne Hathaway – actress who wore Valentino on her wedding day.
These figures, among others, stood together as the coffin was carried into the basilica, a moment that underscored the breadth of the designer’s impact.
The coffin was carried into the basilica, accompanied by a portrait of Valentino that stood beside it, a visual reminder of his artistic vision. The solemn procession underscored the weight of the loss felt by the fashion community.
The Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, renowned for its historic architecture and spiritual significance, provided a dignified backdrop for the ceremony, echoing the gravitas of the occasion.
Other fashion luminaries, including designers and industry insiders, were also present, underscoring the breadth of Valentino’s influence across the global fashion community.
A Life in High Fashion
Valentino Garavani, known as the “Last Emperor of Fashion,” was a favorite of both international and American royalty. Jackie Kennedy Onassis famously wore an ensemble by him for her second wedding to Aristotle Onassis. The label has appeared on the red carpet at Academy Awards and Met Galas, worn by Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett, and Pedro Pascal in striking Valentino pieces.
Valentino’s designs have become synonymous with elegance. His signature red and black palette has been worn by celebrities and royalty alike, cementing his place in fashion history.
Valentino’s signature red and black palette became a hallmark of his brand, and his designs have been celebrated for their timeless sophistication and dramatic flair.
Instagram Tribute
“Now he rests forever surrounded by eternal beauty, a most fitting next chapter for the one true Emperor who gifted us all a legacy of unparalleled magnificence… I love you my darling, and I miss you already,” said Anne Hathaway in an Instagram tribute.
Anne Hathaway’s tribute was accompanied by a photograph of Valentino, highlighting the personal connection many felt with the designer.
The Funeral Service
The ceremony itself was a quiet procession. The coffin, accompanied by a portrait of the designer, was carried to the altar. A portrait of Valentino stood beside the coffin, a visual reminder of his artistic vision. The service was attended by mourners from all walks of fashion and entertainment, many of whom gathered outside the church to pay their respects one final time.
Mourners lined the aisles of the basilica, offering silent prayers and paying homage to a figure who had shaped the aesthetic of modern fashion.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 17-18 | Public viewing at Valentino Foundation headquarters |
| Jan. 19 | Valentino Garavani dies of natural causes at his Rome residence |
| Jan. 20 | Funeral at Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri |
The two-day public viewing at the Valentino Foundation headquarters allowed fans and industry insiders to pay their respects before the final ceremony.
Legacy and Impact
Valentino’s death at 93 of natural causes closed a chapter that began in the 1960s. The designer’s name became a synonym for elegance, and his house continued to set trends across decades. His legacy lives on through the continued prominence of the Valentino label at major cultural events and the influence he left on contemporary designers.
Valentino’s influence extends beyond his own label. Contemporary designers cite him as a key inspiration, and his aesthetic continues to shape modern couture.
Valentino’s influence continues to be felt in contemporary couture, with designers citing him as a pivotal source of inspiration for their own work.
Key Takeaways
- Valentino Garavani died at 93 on Jan. 19.
- The funeral took place in Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri after a two-day public viewing.
- Fashion leaders and Hollywood stars, including Tom Ford, Donatella Versace, Anna Wintour, and Anne Hathaway, attended.
- Attendees honored the designer by wearing black or his signature red.
- The designer’s influence spans royalty, cinema, and major fashion events.
Valentino Garavani’s legacy endures through his timeless designs, the continued prominence of the Valentino brand, and the lasting impact he has had on fashion and culture worldwide.
