Legendary Fashion Designer Valentino Passes Away
Valentino Garavani, the legendary fashion designer known for elevating haute couture, passed away at the age of 93. Born on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, Italy, Valentino was a true icon in the fashion industry, often referred to as the “Last Emperor” of fashion. He dedicated his life to luxury and elegance, leaving a profound impact on the world of fashion.
Final Days and Legacy
Valentino spent his final moments peacefully at his residence on the Appian Way in Rome, surrounded by loved ones. His renowned atelier, opened in the early 1960s in Piazza Mignanelli, became a destination for international jet-setters.
- Valentino’s birth: May 11, 1932
- Death: 2023
- Final residence: Appian Way, Rome
Funeral Arrangements
A wake for Valentino will be held Wednesday and Thursday from 11 AM to 6 PM at his atelier in Piazza Mignanelli. The funeral will take place on Friday at 11 AM at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri.
Achievements in Fashion
Valentino’s fashion career began at a young age, studying fashion design in Milan and Paris. He founded his fashion house in 1957 with the support of Giancarlo Giammetti, who managed the business aspects while Valentino focused on design.
- Major milestones:
- Opened his first atelier in Rome in 1959.
- Debuted the first men’s collection in 1967.
- Produced Jacqueline Bouvier’s wedding dress in 1968.
Noteworthy Acquisitions
Over the years, Valentino’s brand changed ownership multiple times. Acquired by the Hdp group in 1998, it was later bought by. the Marzotto Group in 2002 and then transferred to Permira, ultimately becoming part of Kering in 2023 for €1.7 billion.
Tributes and Reactions
The fashion community and public figures around the world have expressed their condolences and pay tribute to Valentino’s significant contributions. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni referred to him as the “master of style and elegance,” emphasizing his lasting impact on Italian high fashion.
- Meloni: “Valentino, a symbol of Italian high fashion.”
- Salvini: “An inimitable talent and icon of Italian creativity.”
- Tajani: “A true protagonist of global fashion.”
Valentino Garavani leaves behind a storied legacy that continues to inspire future generations in the fashion industry. His passion for design and unwavering commitment to elegance will be remembered as hallmarks of his extraordinary career.