A deep dive into Valentino Garavani: The maestro of Italian elegance

When you think of Valentino Garavani, you think of glamour that stops the room, elegance that transcends time, and, of course, that unforgettable shade: 'Valentino Red'. But beyond the colour and the glitz, Valentino was one of the great couturiers of all time.

After passing away this week at the age of 93, he leaves behind a legacy that defined Italian haute couture for more than six decades, shaping the way women dressed and the way the world sees style.

Known simply as Valentino, he was the last of fashion’s Golden Era giants - a period that gave us Dior, Lagerfeld, Balenciaga, Givenchy, and Saint Laurent. Valentino’s work, however, carried a signature elegance of its own: glamour woven with a deeply feminine sensibility, immortalised in his eponymous red. Where some designers favoured minimalism, Valentino celebrated ruffles, bows, embroidery, and polka dots - all executed with a precision that made even the boldest details utterly refined.

His death comes just months after the passing of fellow Italian icon Giorgio Armani in September 2025, a reminder of the closing chapter of an era. While Armani was synonymous with tailored restraint, Valentino offered fantasy.

The Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation confirmed he passed peacefully at his home in Rome, "surrounded by the love of his family." Valentino lies in state at Piazza Mignanelli from 21 to 22 January, with a funeral at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs.

Simon Longland, Director of Buying of Fashion at Harrods, sums it the loss of a legend: "Valentino Garavani was one of the last true titans of fashion. Established more than sixty years ago, he built his Maison to embody glamour, elegance, and an unmistakably ultra-feminine sensibility, redefining the way women dressed for both day and evening.

"His extraordinary archive remains a rich and enduring source of inspiration, and few designers can claim something so singular as a colour of their own - yet ‘Valentino Red’ stands as one of the most iconic signatures in the history of fashion."

Born in 1932 in Voghera, Italy, Valentino moved to Paris at 17 to study at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. By 1960, he had founded his own house in Rome, and two years later, the Palazzo Pitti in Florence witnessed his international breakthrough - a moment that put Italian couture firmly on the global map.

Over six decades, Valentino expanded his empire across ready-to-wear, menswear, and accessories. His final haute couture show in 2008 was a tribute to his signature red - a fitting farewell.

Today, the Valentino brand continues to thrive, majority-owned by Qatar’s Mayhoola for Investments, with Gucci owner Kering holding a minority stake. Known for Rockstud shoes and accessories, the house is now led by Alessandro Michele, signalling a bold, new creative direction while staying rooted in the Maison’s rich heritage.

Valentino’s legacy endures as a testament to a designer who pursued haute couture in its purest, most uncompromising form.

Timeline of Valentino’s life and career

1932 - Valentino Garavani is born on 11 May in Voghera, Italy.

1950s - Studies fashion in Milan and Paris.

1960 - Founds Valentino in Rome with business partner Giancarlo Giammetti.

1962 - International breakthrough at Palazzo Pitti, Florence.

1970s-1990s - Global expansion across ready-to-wear, menswear and accessories.

1998 - The Valentino fashion house was sold to Italian conglomerate HdP.

2002 - House ownership transferred to Marzotto, all while Valentino remains Creative Director.

2007 - The house is sold once again, this time to Permira. Valentino Garavani announces his retirement.

2008 - Valentino presents his final haute couture collection in Paris. Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli are then appointed Co-Creative Directors, having worked closely with Valentino for years.

2009 - The documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor is released, chronicling Valentino’s final years at the house.

2016 - Maria Grazia Chiuri departs Valentino to become Creative Director of Dior. Pierpaolo Piccioli is appointed sole Creative Director.

2016-2023 - Piccioli reshapes Valentino with a focus on colour, particularly pink!

2024 - Pierpaolo Piccioli exits Valentino after 25 years at the house. Alessandro Michele is appointed Creative Director.

2026 - Valentino passes.