Valentino Garavani, the Italian fashion designer and founder of the legendary fashion house Valentino, has died at the age of 93. News of his death was released in the media on January 20, 2026.
Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani was born on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, Italy. He founded his fashion house in Rome in 1960, and within a few years, his name became synonymous with Italian luxury and elegance. The designer is particularly famous for his signature shade of red, dubbed "Valentino Red."
During his career, Garavani dressed world-renowned celebrities, including Jacqueline Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Princess Diana, and many other members of the world's elite. His creations regularly appeared on the red carpets of major film festivals and awards ceremonies.
In 2007, Valentino announced his retirement from fashion, holding a farewell show in Paris in January 2008. Since then, he has continued to lead an active social life, remaining a style icon and one of the most recognizable figures in the fashion industry.
The Valentino fashion house continues to operate under the management of other designers, preserving the legacy of its founder and his aesthetic of refined luxury.