MWE Correspondent
Italian fashion designer and haute couture pioneer Valentino Garavani has died at the age of 93, marking the end of an era that profoundly shaped modern luxury fashion and global couture.
His foundation confirmed his death on Monday, January 19, 2026, saying he passed away peacefully at his residence in Rome, surrounded by close family members and longtime companions.
In a statement shared publicly, the foundation described Garavani as a visionary artist whose work transcended fashion trends and became a lasting symbol of elegance, discipline and refined craftsmanship. He had retired from active design work in 2008, bringing to a close a remarkable career that spanned more than five decades at the highest level of international fashion.
Known worldwide simply as Valentino, Garavani rose from modest beginnings to build one of the most influential names in haute couture. From the early years of his career, he demonstrated an obsessive attention to detail and an uncompromising commitment to quality, values that later defined his brand’s identity. His designs became synonymous with grace, clean lines and a timeless aesthetic that appealed to royalty, political leaders and cultural icons across generations.
One of his most enduring contributions to fashion was the introduction of the iconic “Valentino Red,” a signature shade that became instantly recognisable on runways and red carpets alike. The colour came to symbolise glamour and confidence, and remains one of the most powerful visual identities in global fashion. Industry historians often cite this achievement as an example of how Garavani understood not only clothing, but also branding long before fashion became a fully globalised commercial industry.
Over the years, the fashion house he founded evolved into a major international luxury enterprise, with a presence in key global capitals while still preserving the traditions of Italian craftsmanship. Despite the brand’s growth, Garavani was known for maintaining strict creative control for much of his career, ensuring that each collection reflected his personal vision and artistic standards.
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The foundation announced that a lying in state will be held in Rome on Wednesday and Thursday, allowing admirers and members of the fashion community to pay their respects. The funeral is scheduled for Friday at 11:00 a.m., also in Rome, a city closely tied to both his personal life and professional legacy.
Tributes have poured in from across the global fashion industry, with designers, models and cultural figures describing Garavani as one of the last great masters of a pre-commercial fashion age. He is frequently mentioned alongside other legendary designers such as Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld, whose work defined an era when couture was driven primarily by artistry rather than mass branding.
Fashion analysts say Garavani’s influence extended far beyond the runway. He helped shape modern ideas of luxury, exclusivity and beauty, while proving that fashion could be both commercially successful and artistically pure. Even after his retirement, his design philosophy continued to guide collections produced under his name, reinforcing his lasting presence in the industry.
As the world reflects on his passing, Valentino Garavani is being remembered not only as a designer, but as a cultural architect who elevated Italian fashion onto the global stage. His legacy, experts say, will continue to inspire future generations of designers who seek to balance creativity, craftsmanship and timeless elegance in an ever-changing fashion landscape.
