Valentino Garavani, architect of Italian glamour, dies aged 93

Valentino Garavani, the Italian designer who built an eponymous fashion house and made the red dress a signature of modern glamour, has died aged 93. "Valentino Garavani passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones," his foundation said on Instagram on Monday, adding that he was "a true source of light, creativity and vision." The designer’s body will lie in state at the foundation’s headquarters in Rome on Wednesday and Thursday, with his funeral due to take place in the Italian capital on Friday.

Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, paid tribute on X, writing: "Valentino, undisputed master of style and elegance and eternal symbol of Italian high fashion. Today Italy loses a legend, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations. Thank you for everything." Valentino founded his house in 1959 and became famed for opulent, elegant clothes that attracted clients including Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor.

He designed for Monica Vitti in Michelangelo Antonioni’s La Notte (1961) and for Jackie Kennedy through the 1960s; she famously urged him to "live 100 years!" and wore a Valentino wedding dress when she married Aristotle Onassis in 1968. His first collection included a red tulle dress called the Fiesta and the particular shade of red he favoured is now recognised by the colour authority Pantone.

Key Topics

Culture, Valentino Garavani, Rome, Voghera, La Notte, Pantone