Valentino Garavani, legendary Italian fashion designer, has died. He was 93.
“Valentino Garavani passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones,” read a statement released by his namesake foundation Monday.
He will lie in state for several days in Piazza Mignanelli and the funeral will take place Friday, January 23 at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri.
Many fans, including former Valentino creative director Pier Paolo Piccioli, flooded the comments with broken heart emojis.
Born in Milan in 1932, Garavani became known by his mononym after he opened Maison Valentino in 1960. That same year, he met Giancarlo Giammetti, who would become his longtime business and life partner.
The artist became synonymous with the color red, which was later known simply and officially as “Valentino red.” The color — which was later sanctioned by Pantone — was first introduced in the spring/summer 1959 collection by way of a tulle dress called “La Fiesta.”
He had many loyal celebrity fans, including Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Collins and Jaqueline Kennedy, the latter of whom wore his designs at her wedding to Aristotle Onassis.
Anne Hathaway has been a friend and face of the brand for many years, wearing a custom Valentino gown for her 2012 wedding to Adam Shulman.
After 45 years at the helm of multiple brands, Valentino retired in 2008. A documentary, released the same year and called “Valentino: The Last Emperor,” chronicles the time leading up to his last couture show.
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