Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian fashion designer who revolutionized glamour and elegance with his eponymous house, has passed away at the age of 93. The news, shared by his foundation on Instagram, confirmed that he had died surrounded by his loved ones.
Born in Voghera, near Milan, Valentino was born into a life of style and sophistication, which later influenced his designs. His early love for red, sparked by a visit to the opera where women wore vibrant red dresses, became an iconic part of his aesthetic. The colour has since become synonymous with the house, officially recognized by Pantone.
Valentino's rise to fame began in 1959 when he founded his label, which quickly gained attention from the fashion world. His designs adorned the bodies of A-list celebrities such as Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor, cementing his reputation as a master of glamour. The red dress, a signature item in Valentino's collections since its inception, has become an instantly recognizable symbol of elegance.
Throughout his illustrious career, Valentino was known for his impeccable style, often impeccably dressed himself in a suit with a deep suntan. His jet-set lifestyle, showcased in the 2008 documentary "Valentino: The Last Emperor," revealed a life of luxury and excess, complete with private jets, yachts, and pampered pugs.
However, Valentino's designs have not been without controversy. Some critics have accused him of promoting unrealistic beauty standards, stating that women should always present themselves at their best to please men. Others have criticized his reluctance to adopt more inclusive sizing on the catwalk.
Despite these controversies, Valentino's legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of designers and fashion enthusiasts alike. His passing leaves a void in the fashion world, but his impact on the industry will be felt for years to come.
Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, has paid tribute to Valentino, describing him as an "undisputed master of style and elegance" who left an indelible mark on Italian high fashion. His funeral is set to take place in Rome on Friday, where mourners will pay their respects to a true fashion legend.
Born in Voghera, near Milan, Valentino was born into a life of style and sophistication, which later influenced his designs. His early love for red, sparked by a visit to the opera where women wore vibrant red dresses, became an iconic part of his aesthetic. The colour has since become synonymous with the house, officially recognized by Pantone.
Valentino's rise to fame began in 1959 when he founded his label, which quickly gained attention from the fashion world. His designs adorned the bodies of A-list celebrities such as Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor, cementing his reputation as a master of glamour. The red dress, a signature item in Valentino's collections since its inception, has become an instantly recognizable symbol of elegance.
Throughout his illustrious career, Valentino was known for his impeccable style, often impeccably dressed himself in a suit with a deep suntan. His jet-set lifestyle, showcased in the 2008 documentary "Valentino: The Last Emperor," revealed a life of luxury and excess, complete with private jets, yachts, and pampered pugs.
However, Valentino's designs have not been without controversy. Some critics have accused him of promoting unrealistic beauty standards, stating that women should always present themselves at their best to please men. Others have criticized his reluctance to adopt more inclusive sizing on the catwalk.
Despite these controversies, Valentino's legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of designers and fashion enthusiasts alike. His passing leaves a void in the fashion world, but his impact on the industry will be felt for years to come.
Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, has paid tribute to Valentino, describing him as an "undisputed master of style and elegance" who left an indelible mark on Italian high fashion. His funeral is set to take place in Rome on Friday, where mourners will pay their respects to a true fashion legend.
just heard about Valentino Garavani's passing 
he was like the godfather of glamour 
and I'm still trying to process how much of an impact he had on the fashion world 
his designs were EVERYTHING 
from those iconic red dresses to his impeccable style 
he truly embodied elegance and sophistication 
and even though he didn't always get it right, his legacy will live on 
I mean, who else could make a 93-year-old man look like he just stepped off the cover of Vogue? 
respect to the master 
. I keep thinking about how his designs reflected not just his own style, but the societal pressures he was born into. Like, the red dress - it's not just a color, it's a symbol of femininity and elegance, but also a reminder that women are often judged on their appearance 
. And that's what I find so fascinating about Valentino's legacy... it's complex, you know? He was both a master of glamour and a product of his time. It's like, how do we balance the need for self-expression with the pressure to conform? 
The news of Valentino's passing is a great reminder that no one is above scrutiny when it comes to their legacy. I mean, on the one hand, you've got his iconic designs and the impact he had on the fashion world. But then there are the criticisms about promoting unrealistic beauty standards... it's like, what does that say about our society? Are we really okay with perpetuating an unattainable ideal of perfection?
This is what I've been saying all along! Valentino was a master of glamour, but at what cost? The way he made women look and feel like they needed to be perfect for men's eyes only? 
It's like he took the red carpet and turned it into a catwalk for pretty faces. And don't even get me started on that documentary... he was living the high life, no doubt about it, but was it really worth all the drama? 
I'm not saying he didn't have talent, but his legacy is complicated, and I think we're just glossing over the controversy. What's next, celebrating a fashion icon who made women feel like they owed it to him for making them look good? 
Not buying it...
he was literally a legend in the fashion world and his designs still slay today 
it's still so glamorous and elegant even after all these years 
and yeah, his personal life was pretty wild 
private jets and yachts, girl! 
but at the end of the day, he left an amazing legacy that will live on through all the designers and fashion enthusiasts he inspired 
this man lived a life of pure glamour and luxury! 93 years young and still killing the fashion game 
he was more than just a designer, he was an icon and his legacy will live on for generations to come 
Interesting that some people criticized him for promoting unrealistic beauty standards but I think it's great that women can aim high and strive for perfection 
. I mean, the dude was a total icon and his designs are still giving me life 
. I can totally see why he was known for being so stylish himself - that Italian flair is just timeless 
. What's crazy is how much impact one person can have on fashion and culture... it's wild 
. Anyway, I'm sending all my love to his family and friends during this tough time 
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I'm sad to hear about Valentino's passing - what a legend! He was truly the king of glamour and elegance 
. I mean, who else could make red dresses iconic? 
And can we talk about his impeccable style for once? The way he rocked that suit and suntan combo is still giving me life today 
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