The End of an Era: Legendary Italian fashion designer Valentino passes away at the age of 93

News broke yesterday that legendary Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani passed away peacefully in his home in Rome surrounded by his loved ones.

Hailed throughout his career as "Couturier to the Stars," Garavani leaves behind an unparalleled and magnificent legacy that has indelibly shaped the sartorial landscape. His career was defined by an extraordinary dedication to making women look and feel beautiful, an ethos that remained at the very heart of his design philosophy. He dressed and styled some of the world's most influential figures, including European royalty, the biggest names in Hollywood, and America's First Ladies, earning him a reputation that transcended the fashion world itself.

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The Italian designer started his eponymous label in 1959 with the help of his family and a family friend in the famed Via Condotti which is Rome's most famous luxury shopping street. Unfortunately within a year the designer declared bankruptcy and had to vacate his premises. Yet, setbacks could not diminish undeniable talent. The press quickly began to recognise Garavani’s unique genius, hailing him as the next great phenomenon in fashion. His pivotal moment of international recognition arrived in 1961 when the iconic American actress Elizabeth Taylor—a global symbol of glamour and elegance—selected a striking white haute couture column gown by Valentino to wear to the highly anticipated premiere of the epic film Spartacus.

His entire career was marked with defining moments like these. One of his greatest characteristics was his ability to understand his consumer. He inhabited the same rarefied world of his luxury clients which gave him an advantage in being able to create and design garments that they loved. This acute understanding of the luxury lifestyle, combined with his inherent love for the female form and his masterful command of fabric, drape, and design, truly set Valentino Garavani apart as an icon. He is also one of the only designers to have a pantone colour named after him, Valentino Red.

His career continued this upward trajectory until his retirement in 2008 which we can all agree, was well deserved. To mark his retirement in true style he held a 3 day celebration marking this auspicious occasion.

Valentino Garavani embodied the brand he created. It was an extension of himself and I am extremely interested to see what the future holds for Maison Valentino. All we can say is Rest in Piece Valentino and thank you for your legacy.