The funeral of Valentino Garavani, the renowned Italian couturier, takes place in Rome on Friday morning at the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, following two days of public viewing at the Valentino foundation's headquarters. The service marks the final tribute to the internationally acclaimed designer, who died on Monday at his Rome residence aged 93.
Prominent figures from the fashion world are in attendance, including designers Tom Ford and Donatella Versace, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, and actress Anne Hathaway. Hundreds of members of the public also paid their respects during the viewing, with many hailing Garavani as the “last emperor” of Italian fashion.
Garavani was celebrated for dressing generations of royalty, first ladies, and celebrities, including Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Queen Rania of Jordan, and Julia Roberts. While his atelier was based in Rome, his collections were frequently unveiled in Paris, and his opulent gowns have graced numerous Academy Awards ceremonies.
Among the notable Oscar moments were Julia Roberts's vintage black-and-white column dress in 2001 and Cate Blanchett's butter-yellow silk, one-shouldered creation in 2005. Tributes have come from his long-time partner Giammetti, models Elizabeth Hurley and Linda Evangelista, and reality TV star Kim Kardashian.
Hurley said: “30 years of extraordinary friendship… Valentino was eternally kind and generous to me and my son Damian, whom Valentino called ‘The Little Prince’.” Gwyneth Paltrow, who wore Valentino for her 2018 wedding and the 2013 Met Gala, described the news as the “end of an era”, adding on Instagram that she was lucky to know “the real man, in private”.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was among the first to pay tribute, calling him the “undisputed master of style and elegance” and the “eternal symbol of Italian high fashion”. She said: “Today Italy loses a legend, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations. Thank you for everything.”
