Valentino Garavani. Photo Reuters / Denis Balibouse.
According to media reports, Valentino Garavani, the founder of the world-famous fashion house, has passed away in Rome. The causes of his death have not yet been disclosed.
The designer, who became a symbol of Italian fashion and held the title of "emperor," was on par with masters such as Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld, and had a significant influence on the development of the fashion industry in the second half of the 20th century.
Throughout his career, he dressed many famous actresses and first ladies, such as Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy, created outfits for the Oscars, and was the first Italian to walk the runway of Paris haute couture.
His unique fabrics, such as georgette and chiffon ruffles, as well as his special budellini technique, earned him numerous awards, including France's highest civilian honor in 2006.
The shade "Valentino red" became iconic for his brand and appeared in almost every collection. The designer emphasized that the main goal of his work was to create beauty.
His last collection show took place in Paris in January 2008. In 2012, the fashion house was acquired by the Qatari fund Mayhoola, and in 2023, the Kering group acquired 30% of the shares with the intention of a full buyout in the future.
