The patriarch of Italian fashion 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 January 19.

Valentino founded the Valentino fashion house in 1960 and ultimately became one of the most influential designers of the 20th century, standing as a pillar of Italian high fashion. He was most notably revered for his signature Valentino Red, a shade that became inseparable from his legacy, as well as his masterful couture gowns, romantic silhouettes, and meticulous craftsmanship that dressed royalty, Hollywood icons, and global cultural figures alike.

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.