Fashion World Gathers in Rome to Honour Valentino Garavani
The fashion industry united in solemn tribute this week as legendary designer Valentino Garavani was laid to rest in Rome. The iconic creator, who passed away on Monday at the age of 93, was celebrated by the highest echelons of fashion and film during a funeral service at the historic Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs.
A Sombre Palette Replaces Signature Red
While Valentino Garavani became globally renowned for his vibrant 'Valentino red' creations, mourners appropriately adopted a more sombre 'Valentino black' palette for the occasion. The designer's remarkable career spanned decades, dressing some of the world's most celebrated women including Jacqueline Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, Julia Roberts, and Diana, Princess of Wales.
Hollywood and Fashion Elite Pay Respects
Among the distinguished attendees was actress Anne Hathaway, who developed a close friendship with Valentino after his cameo appearance in the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada. The designer once described Hathaway as being 'like my daughter', having accompanied her to the 2011 Oscars and created her wedding dress in 2012. For the funeral, Hathaway chose a fitted black knee-length Valentino coat rather than the signature red gowns she frequently wore on red carpets.
Long-time friend and model Olivia Palermo, aged 39, arrived dressed in a sophisticated black satin bolero paired with a long black Valentino frock coat, accessorised with a traditional veil. The gathering represented a poignant moment of unity within the competitive fashion world.
Designer Tributes and Personal Connections
Donatella Versace, the 70-year-old designer and close friend of Valentino, notably eschewed her own label to honour her colleague by wearing a fitted black Valentino shift dress. Meanwhile, Anna Wintour, the 76-year-old global chief content officer of Conde Nast, added a subtle tribute to Valentino's love of colour through a bold, brightly hued necklace that provided a discreet splash of vibrancy against her otherwise sombre attire.
The emotional impact of Valentino's passing resonated throughout the entertainment industry, with actress Gwyneth Paltrow penning an effusive tribute on Instagram. She wrote: 'I was so lucky to know and love Valentino – to know the real man, in private. The man who was in love with beauty, his family, his muses, his friends. His dogs, his gardens, and a good Hollywood story. I loved him so much.'
A Legacy That Continues
Although the man himself has passed, Valentino's influence remains powerfully present within the fashion industry. The Valentino couture show is scheduled to proceed in Paris this Wednesday as part of the city's bi-annual haute couture week. While former Gucci designer Alessandro Michele now serves as creative director of the fashion house, the upcoming presentation promises to honour Valentino's enduring legacy with unadulterated glamour and sophistication.
The funeral service represented not merely a farewell to a designer, but a celebration of a visionary whose impact transcended fashion to become part of cultural history. From Hollywood red carpets to royal wardrobes, Valentino Garavani's creations defined elegance for generations, ensuring his legend will continue to inspire long after his passing.
