Hollywood and the public bid farewell to Valentino Garavani, the legendary fashion designer, at a funeral held in Rome on Friday, January 23, 2026. Garavani, who passed away peacefully at his home in Rome on January 19 at the age of 93, was mourned by fashion industry titans, Hollywood stars, and admirers from around the globe. While the official cause of death was not released, it is believed to be due to natural causes.
The funeral mass took place at the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, a historic church designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century. The basilica was filled with white floral arrangements, and Mozart's Lacrimosa played during the procession. Earlier in the week, Garavani had been lying in state at PM23, a cultural venue established by the Fondazione Valentino Garavani, where the public had the opportunity to pay their respects. Over 10,000 people paid their respects to Valentino during the public viewing.
The streets outside the basilica were lined with crowds, many dressed in red or carrying red accessories – a nod to Valentino's signature "Valentino Red" hue that became synonymous with his designs. The color was reportedly inspired by a performance of Carmen that Garavani had seen early in his life.
Among the attendees were fellow designers Donatella Versace, Tom Ford, Alessandro Michele, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Brunello Cucinelli, and Pierpaolo Piccioli. Celebrities such as Anne Hathaway and Olivia Palermo, both known for wearing Valentino's creations, were also present. Anna Wintour, Vogue's global editorial director, and veteran fashion journalist Suzy Menkes also attended the service. Giancarlo Giammetti, Valentino's long-term business partner and companion, gave a speech during the service. Businessman François-Henri Pinault, former Kering CEO, was also in attendance. Even the ceremonial capes worn by the Carabinieri guards were designed by Armani, underscoring the fashion world's deep respect for Garavani.
Born in Voghera, Italy, in 1932, Valentino Garavani's career began at the age of 17 when he moved to Paris and apprenticed for various couture houses. In 1960, he returned to Rome and established his own fashion house, Maison Valentino, with Giancarlo Giammetti. His designs quickly gained recognition for their opulent luxury, strong sense of femininity, and signature "Valentino Red". Valentino dressed some of the most influential women in the world, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Diana, and Julia Roberts.
Valentino's impact on fashion is undeniable. He helped redefine Italian elegance and set a new standard for red carpet glamour. He was part of an elite generation of Italian designers, including Gianni Versace, Giorgio Armani and Gianfranco Ferré, whose influence shaped fashion for decades. His legacy as "The Last Emperor" of fashion will continue to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts for generations to come. Following the funeral service, Valentino Garavani's coffin was taken to the Flaminio Cemetery in northern Rome for burial.
