Valentino Garavani, founder of the eponymous Italian luxury fashion house, has died aged 93.
The fashion designer, who founded the business in 1960, passed away at his home in Rome, Italy, on 19 January 2026.
Valentino’s clothing has been worn by celebrities such as actresses Julia Roberts and Gwyneth Paltrow, and also has a robust fragrance line with hero scents such as Born in Roma.
The maison also has a cosmetics division, Valentino Beauty, which is part of the French beauty giant L’Oréal’s luxury division, L’Oréal Luxe.
L’Oréal has held the licence to produce the Italian fashion house’s beauty products since 2018.
"The maison remembers Mr. Valentino Garavani with deep emotion and profound affection,” the Valentino maison wrote in an Instagram post.
“His unique style and innate elegance will remain forever.
“We share with heartfelt sympathy the grief of his loved ones, and we remain committed to preserving and elevating the valued creative, cultural and human heritage he entrusted to us, upon which Maison Valentino is founded.
“His life was a beacon in the ceaseless pursuit of beauty, and guided by that same beauty, we will continue to honour his memory with our deepest devotion.”
Garavani’s passing has seen an outpouring of condolences, including some from the beauty industry.
German supermodel and brand founder Claudia Schiffer wrote in an Instagram post: “Heartbroken to hear of the passing of my old friend Valentino.
“He is what true legends are made of, living on forever through the brand he created, the embodiment of timeless elegance and glamour.
“I loved the special times where I got to bring his creations to life on and off the runway.”
The luxury fashion designer’s death follows Leonard A. Lauder, the billionaire heir and son of Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) co-founders Estée and Joseph Lauder, passing away last year.
The Chairman Emeritus passed away on 14 June at the age of 92, surrounded by family, according to a statement by the US beauty giant.
Lauder served as President of ELC from 1972 to 1995, and as CEO from 1982 to 1999.
He was named Chairman in 1995 and served in that role through to June 2009.
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