Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian fashion designer, died on January 19 at the age of 93. His death was announced in a social media statement, which said he passed away at his Roman residence surrounded by his loved ones. The statement also revealed that a lying in state would be held at PM23 in Piazza Mignanelli 23 on Wednesday, January 21st, and Thursday, January 22nd, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, with a funeral at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome on Friday, January 23rd at 11 am.
His longtime business partner and co-founder of the Valentino fashion house paid tribute on Instagram, sharing a black-and-white photo of his friend with the simple message: "…Forever…"
Gwyneth also paid tribute, sharing a photo of herself kissing his cheek. She wrote: "I was so lucky to know and love Valentino – to know the real man, in private." She described him as someone who was "in love with beauty, his family, his muses, his friends," and recalled how he would pester her to "at least wear a little mascara" when she came to dinner. Concluding her post, she said: "This feels like the end of an era."
The Sex and the City star posted a black background with "RIP VAVA…May 11, 1932 – January 19, 2026" written in red, alongside a caption expressing gratitude for his "extraordinary talent" and "decadent generosity." Donatella, meanwhile, shared a black-and-white photo of Valentino in his younger years and a snap from a photoshoot featuring three models in the iconic Rosso Valentino colour. She wrote: "Today, we lost a true maestro who will forever be remembered for his art."
Tributes also came from the modelling world. A supermodel who worked closely with him said she was heartbroken, while Linda shared photos and thanked him for the many wonderful memories. The German model recalled holidays in Mallorca, Ibiza and St Tropez, and the Valentino wedding gown she has framed at home, writing: "Repose en paix, Monsieur Valentino." The Italian-French singer-songwriter and model also remembered him as a teacher, saying it was an honour to have known him.
