Fashion woke up to a deep sense of loss this week as Valentino Garavani, one of the most iconic names the industry has ever known, passed away in Rome. For decades, Valentino wasn’t just a designer; he was a symbol of elegance, luxury, and timeless beauty. His presence defined an era when fashion was slow, personal, and unapologetically glamorous.
Often described as the last great ruler of classical couture, Valentino believed fashion should feel special and aspirational. His world was built on craftsmanship, close relationships, and a refined sense of taste that never chased trends. At the heart of it all was his unmistakable signature—his shade of red. Warm, bold, and slightly orange-toned, it became so iconic that it earned a place of its own in the global colour system, forever linked to his name.
Valentino’s story began in a small town in northern Italy, where his love for beauty showed itself early. As a teenager, he left home for Paris, driven by a dream to learn from the very best. There, he trained in fine arts and couture, spending years sketching, observing, and absorbing the discipline of high fashion. Those formative years shaped his detailed, romantic style and set the foundation for everything that followed.
After returning to Italy, he launched his own label in Rome with the support of his family. Still in his twenties, he presented his first collection with one clear goal—to make women feel extraordinary. Rome soon became his stage, transformed by the kind of grandeur and glamour usually associated with Paris. Around this time, he met his lifelong business partner, a relationship that would help turn his vision into a global fashion empire built on trust and shared passion.
Valentino went on to dress some of the most famous women in the world. From Hollywood stars to royalty, his gowns became part of fashion history. One of his earliest and most memorable moments came when a young actress wore his creation to a major film premiere, instantly turning the dress into a legend. His designs were never loud, yet they commanded attention through elegance and precision.
As his brand grew, Valentino introduced signature elements that made his work instantly recognizable, including his famous “V” and collections that celebrated purity, structure, and romance. Even as fashion evolved, he remained devoted to his craft, representing a world where couture was about beauty, patience, and perfection.
Later in life, his journey was captured in a documentary that followed him behind the scenes, revealing the discipline, emotion, and artistry that defined his final years in fashion. It showed a man deeply devoted to his work, right until the end.
Valentino didn’t just make Rome proud—he made it eternal in the world of fashion. To many, he stood as tall as any cultural institution, a reminder that true style never fades. Though he may be gone, his red lives on, stitched forever into the history of couture.
