Iconic Italian fashion designer whose name became synonymous with elegance and haute couture,  Valentino Garavani,  has died at the age of 93. He passed away peacefully at his Roman residence on the 19th of January.

Valentino — universally known by his first name — founded the Valentino fashion house in 1960 and became one of the most influential designers of the 20th century and a pillar of Italian high fashion. He was celebrated for his signature “Valentino red” gowns and garments that graced red carpets and other high-society events.

The death of such a legend will be deeply felt across the fashion community, as he was a strong pillar and standard-bearer in the advent of Italian modern luxury. His influence on fashion — from couture runways to red carpets — reshaped Italian style and left a lasting imprint on global luxury design.