Valentino Garavani, Iconic Italian Fashion Designer, Dies at 93
Valentino Garavani, the iconic Italian fashion designer, passed away at 93 on Monday at his home in Rome. His foundation announced the news via Instagram.
Valentino Garavani: A Fashion Legend
Known as an “international arbiter of taste,” Valentino shaped the world of haute couture for decades. His designs were favored by a host of notable women, from Audrey Hepburn to Zendaya, making appearances at prestigious events, weddings, and funerals alike.
Signature Style and Inspirations
Valentino was revered for his sophisticated and elegant approach to fashion. His signature features included:
- Crisp suits
- A vibrant red hue, popularly associated with his brand
- A complexion he humorously referred to as “crème brûlée,” stemming from his love of tanning
His lifelong obsession with glamour and beauty was evident. “I love a beautiful lady, I love a beautiful dog, I love a beautiful piece of furniture. I love beauty, it’s not my fault,” he stated in the documentary “The Last Emperor.”
Early Life and Career
Born in Voghera, Italy, Valentino Garavani was influenced by his family’s appreciation for the finer things in life. He learned to sew from his Aunt Rosa and later pursued formal fashion studies in Paris.
Valentino’s career took off after he opened his first couture studio on Rome’s Via Condotti in 1960. He joined forces with Giancarlo Giammetti, who became both his business partner and close friend. Their collaboration was pivotal, merging Valentino’s creative genius with Giammetti’s business acumen.
A Lasting Legacy
Together, they established the Valentino Company, launching its first ready-to-wear shop in Milan in 1969. They built a global fashion empire, selling the brand in 1998 for approximately $300 million. By 2021, Valentino’s revenue reached an impressive $1.36 billion.
Even after retiring from the fashion industry in 2008, Valentino continued to design dresses for opera productions. His influence remained significant as millions embraced his brand, which included jeans, handbags, and even cars adorned with his iconic “V” monogram.
Valentino’s impact was so extensive that at the peak of his fame, his popularity in Rome rivaled that of the pope.
