Creator of iconic red gowns dies in Rome.

The world of high fashion has lost one of its most defining figures. Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian designer whose name became synonymous with elegance and a specific shade of crimson known as "Valentino Red," has died. He was 93 years old.

According to an official statement released by his foundation on Instagram, the fashion icon passed away on Monday at his residence in Rome. Reports confirm that he was surrounded by his loved ones during his final moments.

A Life in Colour

Born in Voghera, Italy, Valentino founded his eponymous brand in Rome in 1960. For decades, he dressed the world’s most powerful women, from Hollywood royalty to actual royalty. Although he officially retired from the creative direction of his brand in 2008, his influence remained palpable. He was credited not just with building a massive business empire, but with defining the aesthetic of an entire generation.

His death marks the definitive end of an era for "Haute Couture." Fashion historians often ranked Valentino alongside Karl Lagerfeld and Giorgio Armani as the final trinity of pre-commercial designers—men who prioritized artistry over marketing spreadsheets. With Lagerfeld’s passing in 2019 and Armani’s death just this past September, Valentino was the last surviving giant of this golden age.

Funeral Arrangements

The foundation has shared specific details regarding the final farewell. Valentino will lie in state this Wednesday and Thursday, allowing colleagues and admirers to pay their respects. The funeral service is scheduled to take place in Rome on Friday at 11:00 am (1000 GMT).

Tributes have already begun pouring in from across the globe, mourning a man who did not just create clothes, but created dreams.