Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani dies at 93

By Asiye Latife Yilmaz

ISTANBUL (AA) - Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, founder of one of the country’s most celebrated luxury houses, has died at the age of 93, his foundation said Monday.

“Valentino Garavani passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones,” the foundation said in a statement shared on the US social media platform Instagram.

The foundation said Valentino will lie in state at Rome’s Piazza Mignanelli on Jan. 21–22, with funeral services to be held Friday at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs.

Born in Lombardy in May 1932, Valentino -- known globally by his first name -- was renowned for his opulent and elegant designs that drew a long list of famous admirers.

He co-founded the Valentino fashion house in 1960 and became one of the leading figures of Italian fashion, often mentioned alongside Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld.

Widely regarded as a defining designer of the 20th century, Valentino created looks worn by numerous celebrities and public figures, including Elizabeth Taylor, Nancy Reagan, Sharon Stone, Julia Roberts and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid tribute on the US social media platform X, calling Valentino an “undisputed master of style and elegance” and an “eternal symbol of Italian high fashion,” adding that while Italy has lost a legend, his legacy will continue to inspire generations.