One of Fashion’s Most Influential Designers Ever is Dead at 93
In the history of the fashion world, there have only been a handful of figures who were so influential that they truly deserve to be called iconic. Sadly, the world has lost one of those people as the person behind a lasting fashion empire has passed away at 93 years old.
Valentino Garavani, Fashion’s Last Emperor, Dies at 93
On January 19, 2026, the Instagram accounts for Valentino Garavani and the Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti's announced that the legendary fashion designer had passed away. The BBC's coverage of the news revealed that he was 93 years old at the time of his death. Britannica's article about Garavani stated that he was born in Voghera, Italy, on May 11, 1932. The social media post revealed that his life ended in his Roman home while he was surrounded by people he loved.
Given the huge impact he had on the world, it only seems fitting that Garavani's passing would be made into a major event. That appears to be what will happen as he will lie in state until January 22, and his funeral will be held on January 23 at "the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Piazza della Repubblica 8, Rome, at 11 a.m."
What Made Valentino Garavani a Fashion Legend?
During his career, Valentino Garavani earned nicknames like "The Last Emperor" and "The Sheik of Chic" because he was so remarkable that people talked about him in life and now in death. Following Garavani's passing, Town & Country looked back at what he achieved during his life. Arguably, the designer's biggest claim to fame was his signature “Valentino Red” dresses. His use of a bright shade of red has gone on to influence the fashion world for decades.
Garavani was also known for his celebrity clients because he played a pivotal role in clothing many women who were considered to be among the most glamorous people in the world at the time. The most notable example of that is the fact that he created several looks that were donned by the former first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, including one she wore to John F. Kennedy's funeral in 1963. While that fact arguably secured his legacy, his work dressing Elizabeth Taylor also caught many eyes. Town & Country and BBC reports state that some of the other famous women that Garavani created clothes for include Audrey Hepburn, Joan Collins, Nancy Reagan, Sharon Stone, Julia Roberts, and Gwyneth Paltrow.
After his lengthy career, the list of Garavani's accomplishments is very long. A 2008 documentary titled Valentino: The Last Emperor gave an intimate window into his career and life.
Our thoughts are with Valentino Garavani's family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.