The Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani has died at 93 in his home in Rome. Princess Madeleine pays tribute to him for her 2013 wedding dress and his timeless elegance. Garavani founded his fashion house in 1960 and dressed icons like Jackie Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor.
Valentino Garavani, founder of the renowned fashion house Valentino, died on Monday in his home in Rome surrounded by his loved ones. His foundation announced: “Our founder, Valentino Garavani, passed away today in his home in Rome, with his loved ones by his side.” Garavani was born in 1932 in Voughera, Lombardy, and launched his fashion house in Rome in 1960 with family support.
His designs, marked by the iconic Valentino-red color and classic elegance, were worn by stars like Jackie Kennedy (later Onassis), Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, and Princess Diana. In Sweden, he was particularly appreciated by the royal family; in 2013, he designed Princess Madeleine's wedding dress for her marriage to Chris O’Neill in Slottskyrkan, Stockholm, and attended the ceremony personally.
Princess Madeleine expressed her grief on Instagram: “With deep sorrow and a heart full of gratitude, I remember the magnificent Valentino Garavani. His incredible sense of detail, his timeless elegance, and his unmistakable sense of humor made every moment in his presence unforgettable. He was never afraid to say what he thought, always with honesty, warmth, and humor. He created my wedding dress with such care, artistry, and joy – a gift I will cherish forever.” She also mentioned his lifelong partner Giancarlo Giammetti and wrote: “Valentino’s legacy lives on, not only in his creations, but in the warmth, generosity, and joy he shared.”
Garavani appeared as himself in the 2006 film “The Devil Wears Prada” and was a central figure in the fashion world for over six decades.
