Renowned Italian fashion icon Valentino Garavani has died.
The Valentino Foundation announced that the legendary designer passed away on Tuesday at his residence in Rome, surrounded by his loved ones.
In a statement, the foundation outlined funeral arrangements, saying the public will be allowed to pay their respects during a two-day lying in state at PM23 in Piazza Mignanelli 23.
“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,” the foundation announced.
The funeral service is scheduled for Friday, January 23, at 11:00 a.m. at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, located in Piazza della Repubblica 8 in Rome.
Valentino Garavani is widely regarded as one of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th and 21st centuries.
He founded the Valentino fashion house in 1960, quickly establishing himself as a master of elegance, craftsmanship and timeless luxury.
He became globally synonymous with “Valentino red,” a signature shade that defined his aesthetic and appeared consistently throughout his haute couture collections. His designs were worn by royalty, Hollywood stars and first ladies, cementing his status as a designer to the elite.
Over the course of his career, Valentino dressed some of the world’s most famous women, including Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor and later generations of celebrities on red carpets around the globe.
Although he stepped back from active designing years ago, Valentino’s legacy has remained central to the fashion industry, with his name continuing to represent classic glamour, precision tailoring and Italian excellence.
Valentino’s contributions were recognized with numerous accolades, including the French Legion of Honour and the Cavaliere di Gran Croce, Italy’s highest order of merit. His passing marks the end of an era for the “Golden Age” of couture, leaving a void in the fashion world that few could ever hope to fill.