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At the beginning of this year, the world lost an absolute pillar of not only the fashion industry but the world at large; Valentino Garavani; a man who dedicated his life to beauty and inspiring others for decades to come. Fashion Reverie takes a moment to honor his life, looking back at his lasting legacy.

Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani was born on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, a small town in northern Italy, to Mauro Garavani and Teresa de Biaggi. His father, Mauro, worked in electrical supplies, and his mother managed their household. His interest in fashion began early, in primary school, when he apprenticed under his Aunt Rosa and designer Ernestina Salvadeo.

Image courtesy of Rex Features

It was his parents who ultimately supported his unconventional career ambitions to work in fashion. By the age of 17, Valentino moved to Paris to study at Beaux-Arts de Paris and the Ecole de la Chamber to complete his formal studies. He then had apprenticeships under Jacques Fath, Balenciaga, Dior, and Dessès, where he assisted Countess Jacqueline de Ribes, sketching her dress ideas. He later returned to Rome to work under accomplished designers Emilio Schuberth and Vincenzo Ferdinandi.

In 1960 Valentino opened his own fashion house. With the help of his father and his business partner, Valentino opened his atelier on Via Condotti, Rome’s elegant and busy street often dubbed Italy’s Rodeo Drive. 

One year later, Valentino met Giancarlo Giammetti, an architect by trade, who would soon become Valentino’s professional and romantic partner (through 1972), and cornerstone of the Valentino name. He joined the young Valentino team at a time when things were precarious on the financial front. He brought a sense of measuredness to Valentino, with his business savvy.

Image courtesy of Mimi Ritzen Crawford

The pair presented their first haute couture collection in Florence’s Palazzo Pitti. The show garnered the attention of Jacqueline Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn, and the Valentino name took off like wildfire with their stamps of approval. 

His early association with the Kennedy name became a significant turning point for Valentino. Jacqueline Kennedy, an earlier admirer, had wanted to view a collection at a charity ball in New York City but couldn’t attend. Valentino decided to send a model, sales rep, and six pieces to her apartment. She ordered six haute couture dresses in black and white and wore them in her year of mourning for her late husband, President John F. Kennedy. This began Jacqueline Kennedy’s lifelong relationship with Valentino.

By the 1970s and 80s, the Valentino name was highly regarded and associated with elegance, femininity, and luxury. Valentino had aL.I.F.E. masterful eye for voluminous silhouettes, intricate detail, and color; ‘Valentino Red’ became an iconic pillar of the brand. The film “Pretty Woman” helped thrust the color into iconic status.

The early 1990s were marked by Valentino giving back. He opened Accademia Valentino as a cultural space made for art exhibition presentations near his atelier in Rome. In 1991, he and Giancarlo, with the encouragement of friend and long-time client Elizabeth Taylor, founded , in support of HIV/AIDS patients.

After an illustrious career and decades of shaping not only gorgeous gowns, but culture at large, Valentino and Giancarlo sold the company to HdP group for $300 million in 1998, though Valentino stayed on as creative director until stepping down in 2007.

Image courtesy of Jean Paul Goude

He announced his complete retirement in January 2008 after delivering a final haute couture show in Paris. There, he presented all “Valentino Red” gowns. In October the same year, he presented his last women’s ready-to-wear show in Paris, receiving a standing ovation.

First appointed to Valentino after Valentino Garavani’s departure were Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli in September 2007. In March 2024, Alessandro Michele took over as creative director after stepping down from Gucci.

In his personal life, Valentino remained very close with his mother Teresa, who had moved to Rome to help with the business. After his romantic relationship with Giancarlo ended in the early 1970s, Valentino met his future partner Bruce Hoeksema, a fashion model, in the early 1980s.

Valentino and Giancarlo were known for indulging in a lavish lifestyle the label lent itself to, spending time yachting, whipping around Italy in a bulletproof Mercedes, and traveling in a 14-seat Challenger jet. Valentino adored dogs, owning six pugs, and often having a separate car for five of them. One of them, Maude, always traveled with him.

Image courtesy of AP Photo/Andrew Medichini

Valentino Garavani died peacefully in Rome on January 19, 2026, at the age of 93. He died naturally and peacefully in his home, surrounded by family. News of his passing was heard around the world, as more than 10,000 people paid their condolences at his funeral on the 23 of January.

It was evident that Valentino’s legacy was a lasting one. He entered the world inspired, destined to dedicate his life to his beautiful craft. He left it having made an indelible mark on all in the fashion industry and beyond.

—Marley Gifford