Valentino Garavani, Italy's Most Coveted Fashion Icon, Dies at 93
Italian fashion icon Valentino Garavani has left an indelible mark on the world of haute couture with his exquisite evening gowns favored by many of the most glamorous women in the industry. The renowned designer passed away at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy that spans over six decades.
Born in Voghera, Italy in 1932, Valentino began his journey in fashion under the tutelage of haute couture ateliers in Paris before launching his own eponymous label in Rome in 1959. His signature style was characterized by bold red dresses that became synonymous with the brand – a color so iconic that it earned the nickname "Valentino Red" within the industry.
Throughout his illustrious career, Valentino's designs graced the red carpet of many high-profile events, including numerous Oscar ceremonies. He had a long-standing association with Elizabeth Taylor, who was one of his earliest celebrity clients, followed by other A-listers such as Begum Aga Khan, Queen Paola of Belgium, Audrey Hepburn, and Joan Collins.
Valentino's popularity continued to soar in the decades that followed. In the 1970s, he became a fixture on the New York fashion scene, rubbing shoulders with artists like Andy Warhol and Vogue editor Diana Vreeland. The 1990s saw him partnering with some of the era's most influential models, including Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell.
His designs have also featured prominently at high-profile events such as the Oscars. Notable examples include Jane Fonda's heavily-beaded gown in 1981, Julia Roberts' vintage black-and-white gown in 2001, Jennifer Lopez's pastel mint caftan-style gown in 2003, and Cate Blanchett's sunshine yellow gown in 2005.
In recent years, Valentino has continued to be a favorite among the fashion elite, with actresses like Zendaya, Carey Mulligan, and Gemma Chan all gracing the red carpet wearing his creations. With his passing, the fashion world mourns the loss of a true icon and a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Italian fashion icon Valentino Garavani has left an indelible mark on the world of haute couture with his exquisite evening gowns favored by many of the most glamorous women in the industry. The renowned designer passed away at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy that spans over six decades.
Born in Voghera, Italy in 1932, Valentino began his journey in fashion under the tutelage of haute couture ateliers in Paris before launching his own eponymous label in Rome in 1959. His signature style was characterized by bold red dresses that became synonymous with the brand – a color so iconic that it earned the nickname "Valentino Red" within the industry.
Throughout his illustrious career, Valentino's designs graced the red carpet of many high-profile events, including numerous Oscar ceremonies. He had a long-standing association with Elizabeth Taylor, who was one of his earliest celebrity clients, followed by other A-listers such as Begum Aga Khan, Queen Paola of Belgium, Audrey Hepburn, and Joan Collins.
Valentino's popularity continued to soar in the decades that followed. In the 1970s, he became a fixture on the New York fashion scene, rubbing shoulders with artists like Andy Warhol and Vogue editor Diana Vreeland. The 1990s saw him partnering with some of the era's most influential models, including Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell.
His designs have also featured prominently at high-profile events such as the Oscars. Notable examples include Jane Fonda's heavily-beaded gown in 1981, Julia Roberts' vintage black-and-white gown in 2001, Jennifer Lopez's pastel mint caftan-style gown in 2003, and Cate Blanchett's sunshine yellow gown in 2005.
In recent years, Valentino has continued to be a favorite among the fashion elite, with actresses like Zendaya, Carey Mulligan, and Gemma Chan all gracing the red carpet wearing his creations. With his passing, the fashion world mourns the loss of a true icon and a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
what's up with all these celebrities looking back at their old Valentino pics now though? it's like they're saying sorry for not giving him enough love during his lifetime 
anyway, his designs will live on and we'll keep seeing them in old-school movies and red carpet moments... classic style never goes out of fashion 
i mean, 93 is crazy old for anyone let alone a fashion icon lol. but what's wild is how his brand has stayed so relevant even after all these decades. i remember my mom wearing those iconic red dresses back in the day and thinking they were SO fancy 
now they're like super rare collector's items. anyway, it's always sad when legends pass on... rest in peace Valentino 
. I mean, 93 isn't old, it's just getting started with all the late nights at the office 
. Who can forget that iconic red dress? It's like he owned a color palette 
. The fact that he had so many famous friends (and clients) is pretty impressive too. I mean, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn... what's not to love about the girl who wore him on the red carpet all those times? 
He was definitely a master of his craft and it's sad that we won't get to see what he'd come up with next 
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just read about Valentino's passing... can't believe he was only 93 
. I've always loved his designs - who wouldn't want to wear one of those iconic red gowns 
? The fact that he had so many A-list clients over the years is crazy... I mean, Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn were both friends with him 
. His influence on fashion is still felt today, even in 2025 
. He'll be deeply missed but his legacy lives on 
That "Valentino Red" dress is iconic, btw – it's like a warning sign that says "I'm about to slay this party!" 
. And let's not forget all the A-listers he dressed up – Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Julia Roberts... the list goes on! 
. RIP, fashion icon 
Rest in peace, Valentino! 
. I mean, who else could make red dresses look like a billion bucks 
? The man knew how to bring out the glamour in everyone who wore his stuff, from Elizabeth Taylor to Zendaya 
.
Valentino was always my fave designer 
his designs were more than just clothes, they were experiences 
his legacy will live on but it's hard not to feel a little sad that we won't get to see more of his designs 
and his designs were worn by so many iconic women like elizabeth taylor & audrey hepburn 
stats show that in 2001 alone, valentino's gown was worn to 2 oscars (julia roberts & catherine zeta jones) 
what's crazy is how his popularity continued even into the 2020s with actresses like zendaya & gemma chan rocking his designs on the red carpet 
Even though he's no longer with us, his designs will live on and inspire future generations of designers 
