The fashion world is in mourning following the death of the iconic Italian designer Valentino Garavani at the age of 93. Known mononymously as Valentino, his career spanned more than five decades, dressing royalty, first ladies, and Hollywood's biggest stars with his signature elegance and bold red gowns.
Building an Empire: Royalty and Jet-Set Glamour
Valentino's journey to becoming a household name began after he moved to London in the early 1960s. His client list quickly became the stuff of legend. He forged an especially close relationship with Jacqueline Kennedy, who first met the designer in New York in 1964. She wore a Valentino gown to marry Aristotle Onassis in 1968 and for several years afterwards was dressed almost exclusively by him.
His influence extended beyond the social elite into corporate and transport design. In 1971, he created the chic new uniform for Trans World Airlines, joining a select group of sought-after designers like Pierre Balmain who shaped aviation style. The designer was also a fixture on the European social scene, photographed with figures like Princess Margaret at a charity dinner for The Royal Ballet at London's Savoy hotel in 1974.
Defining Red-Carpet Drama and a Lasting Legacy
Valentino's impact on Hollywood and global fashion events is undeniable. He designed some of the Academy Awards' most memorable gowns. These included the mint green, one-shoulder caftan worn by Jennifer Lopez, inspired by a dress owned by Jackie O, and perhaps his most famous Oscar creation: the vintage black-and-white gown Julia Roberts wore when she won Best Actress for Erin Brockovich in 2001.
His life and final years at the helm of his fashion house were documented in the 2008 film Valentino: The Last Emperor. He officially retired in January 2008 after 45 years, marking the end with a final haute couture show at the Pompidou Centre in Paris. The very next day, he was presented with Paris's top honour, the Grand Medaille de Vermeil, at a ceremony attended by his friend Karl Lagerfeld.
A Life Surrounded by Stars and Friends
Valentino's world was one of enduring partnerships and glamorous friendships. His long-time business partner was Giancarlo Giammetti, with whom he was often pictured, including at a dinner with Sophia Loren in Milan in 2019. After a cameo in The Devil Wears Prada, he became good friends with Anne Hathaway, accompanying her to events and later designing her wedding dress.
His influence continued post-retirement, with figures like Sarah Jessica Parker asking him to design costumes for the New York City Ballet Fall Gala in 2012. From his early days in London to his final bow in Paris, Valentino Garavani's name became synonymous with timeless, luxurious style that captivated the world for generations.
