Mon Jan 19 21:23:28 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Fashion Icon Valentino Garavani Passes Away at 93

The Story:

Valentino Garavani, the celebrated Italian designer renowned for his glamorous gowns and trademark “Valentino red,” passed away at his home in Rome on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the age of 93. His foundation announced his death, praising him as an inspiration and a source of creativity. Valentino’s designs were favored by royalty, first ladies, and movie stars for decades, solidifying his status as a fashion legend and the “king of the red carpet.”

Key Points:

  • Valentino Garavani died on January 19, 2026, at his home in Rome.
  • He was 93 years old.
  • His designs were worn by Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Julia Roberts, Queen Rania of Jordan, and Princess Diana, among others.
  • He retired in 2008 after a nearly half-century-long career.
  • Valentino and his longtime partner Giancarlo Giammetti sold the label in 1998 to an Italian holding company for an estimated $300 million.
  • The Valentino brand is currently owned by Qatar’s Mayhoola (70% stake) and the French luxury conglomerate Kering (30% stake).
  • Alessandro Michele took over creative direction in 2024, after Pierpaolo Piccioli’s departure from the house.

Critical Analysis

The Italian media coverage is highliting that the fashion house has been held by Qatar’s emirs since 2012.

Key Takeaways:

  • Valentino Garavani’s death marks the end of an era for high-glamour fashion.
  • His designs were known for their femininity, elegance, and use of signature embellishments like bows, ruffles, and lace.
  • Valentino’s legacy extends beyond his designs to his influence on red carpet fashion and his relationships with high-profile clients.
  • His business acumen, in partnership with Giancarlo Giammetti, transformed Valentino into a global luxury brand.

Impact Analysis:

Valentino’s passing, while saddening, is unlikely to cause immediate disruption to the operational direction of the Valentino brand. The company is already under the leadership of Alessandro Michele and owned by Mayhoola and Kering. The change in creative direction may continue to impact brand strategy, but is disconnected from the founder’s death. The real long-term impact will be on Valentino’s legacy, and how the fashion world embraces the heritage of the “Valentino red.”

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