Valentino (fashion designer)

Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani (11 May 1932 – 19 January 2026), better known as Valentino, was an Italian fashion designer. He was the founder of the fashion house Valentino. His main lines include Valentino, Valentino Garavani, Valentino Roma, and R.E.D. Valentino. He was made a Chevalier (Knight) of the Legion of Honour in 2006 by French President Jacques Chirac. He retired in 2008. He appeared as himself in a small role in the movie The Devil Wears Prada (2006).

CNN called him the "quintessential Italian gentleman". He was remembered for the designs he created for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Diana. Valentino's designs were thought to be "timeless". He was also known for creating a "new color" to the fashion business, which was known as "Valentino Red". He said the color was inspired by a "childhood opera experience".

Valentino was born in Voghera, Lombardy. He has dated both men and women, including actress Marilù Tolo and businessman Giancarlo Giammetti.

He studied at École des Beaux-Arts and the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture. He began his career at Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche, later returning to Rome to work under Emilio Schuberth and Vincenzo Ferdinandi. He opened his own fashion house on Via Condotti in 1960 and became well known during the mid‑1960s. 

Valentino died in Rome, Italy from natural causes on 19 January 2026, aged 93.

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Category:1932 births
Category:2026 deaths
Category:Italian fashion designers
Category:Italian LGBT people
Category:Recipients of the Order of the Legion of Honour
Category:LGBT fashion designers
Category:People from Lombardy