Iconic fashion designer Valentino Garavani, known as Valentino, has passed away at the age of 93. On January 19th, both his foundation and account @realmrvalentino on Instagram read ” Our founder, Valentino Garavani, has passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones.” Valentino’s funeral was held on Friday, January 23, at the Basilica of Santa Maria deli Angeli e dei Martiri, located at Piazza della Repubblica 8 in Rome.

Valentino was born on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, a small town somewhere between Turin and Milan, Italy. He was the second child of Mauro Garavani and Teresa Garavani. At a young age, Valentino took an interest in fashion. In one of his interviews, he states that since he was a kid, he loved how dresses looked and always encouraged himself to appreciate beauty. Valentino moved away to study at Milan’s Santa Maria Institute for fashion sketching and then went on to study in Paris at the École des Beaux-Arts and the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne.

Valentino would later meet his partner in life and business in 1960, Giancarlo Giammetti. Giammetti would be in charge of the commercial side of the business. Giammetti and Valentino’s relationship would last about 12 years, and they remained friends after their relationship ended.

Valentino dressed numerous notable figures, such as Princess Diana and Jacqueline Kennedy. Valentino designed many dresses for Jacqueline Kennedy, including the dress she wore during her husband’s funeral and her wedding gown. Valentino’s most famous collection was his “White Collection.” His “White Collection” included designs with embroidery on his dresses in the shape of a V.

Valentino Garavani was an iconic fashion designer and will be remembered for his craftsmanship, elegance, and style. Valentino’s designs and legacy will continue to inspire fashion through generations.