Leading figures from the world of fashion gathered in Rome on Friday for the funeral of Italian designer Valentino Garavani, who died earlier this week aged 93. The service was held at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, days after the founder of the Valentino fashion house passed away at his residence in the Italian capital.
Donatella Versace was among the mourners, arriving in head-to-toe black, while former Vogue editor Anna Wintour attended wearing her signature sunglasses. Actress Anne Hathaway was greeted with warm embraces as she arrived, and Elizabeth Hurley was seen at the church with her son Damian. Hurley was one of the first to pay her respects.
Valentino launched his brand in 1960 and became one of the most influential designers of the 20th century, known for his signature Valentino Red shade. His creations were worn by an array of clients including Elizabeth Taylor, Nancy Reagan, Sharon Stone, Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow, Diana, Princess of Wales, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
In a tribute earlier this week, Anna Wintour said: "Delight is a word I associate so completely with Valentino. He was always the best company, always a perfect host." Anne Hathaway, who wore a Valentino wedding dress and appeared alongside the designer in The Devil Wears Prada, described him as "a titan who made my world brighter", adding that it had been "an extraordinary honor to have known, loved, and been cared for by the great Valentino Garavani".
Hurley's close friendship with the designer was noted, with her partner Billy Ray Cyrus also paying tribute, saying: "I would have never known what a marvelous fashion genius Valentino truly was had it not been for her opening my eyes to his creative force combined with the color pink. Thank you Valentino… you made the world a much more beautiful place."
