Rome, January 20, 2026 – The Europe Today: Renowned Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani has passed away at the age of 93, his foundation announced on Monday. Garavani, the founder of the eponymous Valentino brand, retired from the fashion world in 2008 after a career that helped define modern haute couture.
“Valentino Garavani passed away today at his Roman residence, surrounded by his loved ones,” the foundation said in a statement shared on Instagram, according to media reports.
The foundation announced that the lying in state will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, while the funeral service is scheduled to take place in Rome on Friday at 11:00 a.m. (1000 GMT).
Over several decades, Valentino rose to the pinnacle of haute couture, building a global fashion empire and leaving an enduring mark on the industry. He is widely credited with popularizing the distinctive shade known as “Valentino Red,” which became a signature of his designs.
Valentino was often ranked alongside designers such as Giorgio Armani and the late Karl Lagerfeld as one of the last great couturiers from an era before fashion evolved into a highly commercial, global industry driven as much by marketing and corporate strategy as by craftsmanship and creative vision.
