Valentino Through The Years:
Italian fashion legend Valentino Garavani, whose elegant evening gowns were favored for decades by some of the world’s most glamorous women, has died at 93, according to his foundation.
Valentino and Giancarlo Giammetti.
A model poses in a quilted and embellished tunic and pants from Valentino’s spring 1968 haute couture “White Collection” at the St. Regis Hotel in New York on March 11, 1968.
Portrait of Valentino Garavani with one of his pugs at Rome, Italy headquarters in 1974.
A model poses in a silk organza pant ensemble from Valentino’s Spring 1969 Couture collection for Lord and Taylor.
Valentino posing on a zebra skin rug in 1968.
A photo of a young Valentino Garavani with businessman Giancarlo Giammetti, Thea and photographer Gianpaolo Barbieri walk along Fifth Avenue after lunch at Restaurant X, 1968.
Jackie Onassis wearing a leather coat and Valentino belt, leaving her apartment building in New York on October 1, 1970.
Valentino Garavani poses with models in his RTW Spring 1980 collection in Paris on October 9, 1979.
Valentino celebrates his 46th birthday party with friends in costumes from Fellini’s movie “The Clowns” at Studio 54 in New York on May 11, 1978.
Models in Valentino menswear walk the runway during a benefit fashion show for the Special Olympics at the Hotel Pierre in New York City on June 7, 1976.
Valentino Garavani in his New York co-op apartment.
A young Valentino poses with model Iman in a signature red couture evening gown from the Valentino Fall 1984 Couture collection.
Valentino and Giancarlo Giammetti.
Models Iman and Amalia Varielli walk the runway in printed dresses from Valentino’s Spring 1985 Couture collection.
Elizabeth Taylor in a white lace trimmed Valentino dress arrives with Valentino Garavani for the House of Valentino’s “30th Years in Fashion” exhibition and party in Rome, Italy on June 7, 1991.
Madonna and Valentino Garavani attend Valentino’s The Last Emperor DVD party at The Standard.
Valentino Garavani posing with Naomi Campbell for his Couture Fall 2019 show.
Valentino and Giancarlo Giammetti, Valentino,and Garavani greets the audience at the finale of the Valentino Fall 1993 Couture Runway Show on July 21, 1993, in Paris, France.
Valentino Garavani introduces his new line of designer denim Valentino Viva in New York on May 15, 1979.
Valentino relaxes on the grounds of his Italian Villa just outside Rome, where he lived alone with a small crew of servants and his many pug dogs in 1978.
75th Annual Academy Awards
HOLLYWOOD – MARCH 23: Actress Jennifer Lopez, wearing Harry Winston jewelry, poses during the 75th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater on March 23, 2003 in Hollywood, California.
Cindy Crawford and Valentino Garavani walk the runway at the finale of the Valentino Fall 1997 Couture Runway Show on July 7, 1997, in Paris, France.
Kim Kardashian and Valentino Garavani in complementary hues of green.
Sarah Jessica Parker and Valentino Garavani attend the New York City Ballet’s 2012 fall gala at Lincoln Center.
Portrait of Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani during a visit to New York City on August 30, 1962.
Best Actress Julia Roberts poses with her Oscar during the 73rd Annual Academy Awards March 25, 2001 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Roberts is wearing a Valentino dress with Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry. Her hair is by Serge Normant of the Jed Root Agency and her makeup is by Genevive Herr.
Valentino Couture and Oliver by Valentino RTW Spring 1994 runway show.
Valentino Garavani, accompanied by his two pugs, poses for portraits on June 9, 1992.
Ralph Lauren, Ricky Lauren, Diane von Furstenberg, Valentino Garavani and Donna Karan attend the 2007 7th on Sale party and awards ceremony at the 69th Regiment Armory in New York City.
Anne Hathaway and Valentino Garavani attend the 83rd annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in 2011. Hathaway wears vintage Valentino Haute Couture, with Tiffany & Co. jewels.
Reflecting on Valentino Garavani's extraordinary influence on fashion, I remember how his signature use of the color red—famously known as "Valentino Red"—became a symbol of elegance and sophistication. His haute couture collections ranged from intricate silk organza ensembles to quilted, embellished tunics that captured the spirit of their time while remaining timeless. What struck me most about Valentino was his close relationships with celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Onassis, and Madonna, who not only wore his designs but embodied his vision of glamour on global stages. The image of Jackie O. sporting Valentino’s leather coat and belt exemplifies how his pieces transcended fashion trends to become icons of style. Valentino’s collaborations extended beyond fashion shows, including memorable appearances at cultural events like the Academy Awards and themed parties such as his 46th birthday celebration inspired by Fellini’s movie "The Clowns." His innovative approach to menswear and introduction of designer denim with "Valentino Viva" demonstrated his versatility and foresight. Living in his Italian villa with his beloved pugs and a small, dedicated team, Valentino combined luxury with a personal sense of comfort that reflected in his designs. His partnership with Giancarlo Giammetti was pivotal in sustaining his creative vision and business acumen. For many fashion enthusiasts like myself, Valentino's legacy is a testament to the power of craftsmanship, the importance of iconic branding, and the impact of personal relationships in the world of haute couture. His work continues to inspire designers and admirers around the world, ensuring that his influence will endure well beyond his passing.
