The legendary maestro of haute couture, Valentino Garavani, the visionary founder of the iconic Valentino fashion house, has passed away at the age of 93, as confirmed by his foundation.
On January 18, the world of fashion was struck with sorrow as Valentino’s personal Instagram account and his foundation announced the passing of the celebrated designer.
“Our founder, Valentino Garavani, passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones,” the announcement read. “The lying in state will be held at PM23, Piazza Mignanelli 23, on Wednesday, January 21, and Thursday, January 22, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. The funeral will take place on Friday, January 23, at 11:00 am at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, Piazza della Repubblica 8, Rome.”
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The demise of this trailblazing couturier has left both Hollywood and the fashion realm in profound grief. Industry stalwarts, including style icon Cameron Silver, paid homage on Instagram, writing, “One of the greatest. Rest in peace.”
Valentino’s former creative director, Pierpaolo Piccioli, also expressed his heartache, posting a broken-heart emoji as a tribute to the designer’s enduring legacy.
Throughout his storied career, Valentino was the go-to designer for Hollywood royalty, dressing luminaries such as Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman, and Anne Hathaway, solidifying his place as a global fashion titan.
Born on May 11, 1932, Valentino Garavani remained a luminous figure in couture for decades. He shared his life with his longtime partner, Bruce Hoeksema, the former vice president of Valentino, with whom he had been together since 1982, epitomizing elegance, love, and creative brilliance both on and off the runway.
