Italian Fashion Designer Valentino Garavani Dies at 93

January 20, 2026

Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Key Takeaways

Valentino Garavani founded Valentino S.p.A. in 1960 and led it until 2007, renowned for haute couture and the signature ‘Valentino red‘.
Sold the company for $300 million in 1998 to HdP Group, later acquired by Marzotto Group for $210 million in 2002 with $180 million in revenues.
Died peacefully at home in Rome on January 19, 2026, aged 93; funeral scheduled for January 23 at Basilica of St Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs.
Life partner Giancarlo Giammetti for over 65 years; received top Italian and French honors including Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit.

Background
Career Highlights
Business Transactions
Current Status
Analysis
Implications
Timeline of Valentino Garavani’s Life
Notable Quotes
Unanswered Questions
Sources and Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions

Background

Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani was born on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, Lombardy, Italy, to Mauro Garavani and Teresa de Biaggi, who named him after actor Rudolph Valentino. He developed an early interest in fashion, apprenticing under his aunt Rosa and local designer Ernestina Salvadeo.

Garavani founded Valentino S.p.A. in 1960 in Rome alongside life partner Giancarlo Giammetti, whom he met on July 30, 1960, on Via Veneto. Their romantic relationship ended in 1972, but they remained partners for over 65 years. The house became synonymous with haute couture, particularly the vibrant ‘Valentino red,’ retro designs, and collaborations with celebrities.

Career Highlights

Garavani served as creative director until 2007, presenting his final ready-to-wear show in October 2007 and haute couture show on January 23, 2008, at the Musée Rodin in Paris, earning a five-minute standing ovation from attendees including Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer.

The brand expanded globally, with homes and properties reflecting his aesthetic, such as an 18th-century villa in Cetona, Tuscany, and a penthouse in Rome’s Via Condotti.

Business Transactions

In 1998, Garavani and Giammetti sold Valentino S.p.A. to HdP Group, controlled by Gianni Agnelli, for $300 million.

In 2002, HdP resold it to Marzotto Group for $210 million, at which point the company reported over $180 million in annual revenues.

Current Status

Garavani died on January 19, 2026, at his Rome home, surrounded by loved ones, from natural causes, as announced by his foundation on social media.

He will lie in state at Piazza Mignanelli 23 in Rome on January 21-22, with his funeral on January 23 at 11:00 a.m. at the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs. Rome’s mayor described him as second only to the pope in Italy.

Analysis

Garavani is regarded as one of the last great 20th-century couturiers, blending modern grace with Italian luxury. His legacy endures through the Valentino brand, which continues post-retirement under subsequent creative directors.

No conflicting reports on death details; all sources align on natural causes and timeline.

Implications

His passing marks the end of an era in haute couture, potentially influencing tributes at events like the upcoming Milan Winter Olympics. The brand’s signature style remains impactful, as noted in ongoing social media presence.

Timeline of Valentino Garavani’s Life

May 11, 1932: Born in Voghera, Lombardy, Italy.
July 30, 1960: Met Giancarlo Giammetti on Via Veneto, Rome; founded Valentino S.p.A. later that year.
1972: Romantic relationship with Giammetti ends, but partnership continues.
1998: Sold Valentino S.p.A. to HdP Group for $300 million.
2002: Company sold by HdP to Marzotto Group for $210 million (revenues over $180 million).
September 4, 2007: Announced full retirement effective January 2008.
October 2007: Final women’s ready-to-wear show in Paris.
January 23, 2008: Final haute couture show at Musée Rodin, Paris.
January 19, 2026: Died at age 93 in Rome from natural causes.
January 21 to January 22, 2026: Lying in state at Piazza Mignanelli 23, Rome.
January 23, 2026: Funeral at 11:00 a.m. at Basilica of St Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs, Rome.

Notable Quotes

“Valentino passed away today at his home in Rome surrounded by his loved ones.”
— Valentino Foundation social media announcement (via CBS News)

“In Italy, there’s the pope and then there’s Valentino.”
— Mayor of Rome (via CBS News)

He was “the last of the great 20th century couture designers.”
— CBS News report

Unanswered Questions

Exact time of death and detailed medical cause beyond ‘natural causes’.
Details on succession or foundation’s role post-death.
Any updates on brand leadership or tributes at upcoming events like Milan Winter Olympics.
Full list of homes and properties shared with Giammetti.

Sources and Further Reading

Valentino (fashion designer) – Wikipedia: Comprehensive biographical entry drawing from multiple verified sources; credible due to Wikipedia’s editorial standards and citations. Provided full life details, career timeline, business sales with numeric data ($300M, $210M, $180M revenues), death announcement, and funeral plans.
Fashion titan Valentino Garavani dies at 93, his foundation announces – CBS News (YouTube): Report from major U.S. network CBS News on January 19, 2026; highly credible as primary broadcast journalism. Contributed foundation’s social media announcement, mayor’s quote, and context on legacy as a 20th-century couturier.