Valentino Garavani Passes Away at 93: A Tribute to the Iconic Fashion Designer
Valentino Garavani passed away on Monday, January 19, at the age of 93.
“Valentino Garavani passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his family and friends,” stated the renowned fashion designer’s foundation in a message shared via Instagram.
The announcement further explained, “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.”
Additionally, his foundation noted that his 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.”
Garavani was cherished by numerous celebrities including Princess Diana, Elizabeth Taylor, Florence Pugh, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Dua Lipa, and many others. Jackie Kennedy also served as a muse for the designer.
Born in 1932 in Italy, Garavani became renowned for his iconic red dresses, leopard prints, and glamorous gowns. In 1960, he met Giancarlo Giammetti, who co-founded the brand and was his romantic partner for 12 years before transitioning their relationship into a professional collaboration.
In 2011, Garavani reflected on his career in an interview with The Talks. When asked if he ever envisioned his line achieving such success, he replied, “When you start it’s quite difficult to dream for everybody. But of course you have aspirations. I did a very important collection in 1968 and I realized that I was quite good.”
He elaborated, “All the magazines and everyone came to visit me. I became fairly well-known for my glamour and femininity, and women began to adore my clothes.”
Garavani also admitted that he has not always been a fan of evolving trends over the years.
Designer Giorgio Armani has also passed away at the age of 91. Us Weekly confirmed the news on Thursday, September 4. “With infinite sorrow, the Armani Group announces the passing of its creator, founder, and tireless driving force: Giorgio Armani,” a statement sent to Us noted. “II Signor Armani, as he was always respectfully and admiringly referred to by his team…
“Fashion has dramatically changed every decade. I have a fondness for the ’60s and appreciate the ’70s, but I despised the ’80s,” he remarked. “That era seemed extremely vulgar, with trends that were not aesthetically pleasing: large shoulders, short dresses, and over-the-top hairstyles. I never liked it. However, I truly enjoyed the ’90s.”
The designer revealed that he “sometimes” dreams of dresses and promptly sketches them upon waking. “Museums like the Hermitage in St. Petersburg and traditional Chinese theater costumes inspire me,” he mentioned. “I draw significant inspiration from these types of things, but not from women. I design dresses for women, but I don’t take inspiration from them.”
According to i-D magazine, Garavani reminisced about a career-defining moment in 2001. At that time, Julia Roberts wore a striking black-and-white gown while accepting the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in Erin Brockovich. The ensemble featured a plunging neckline, white straps, and a vertical white line running down her skirt, complemented by a flowing tulle train.
