Valentino Garavani, Regal Designer and Fashion’s ‘Last Emperor,’ Dies at 93

Valentino Garavani, Regal Designer and Fashion’s ‘Last Emperor,’ Dies at 93

The New York Times general

Key Points:

  • Valentino Garavani, a legendary 20th-century couturier known for defining royal and high-society fashion, died at age 93 in Rome.
  • He founded the Valentino fashion house in 1959, becoming a symbol of Italian style and glamour for over five decades.
  • Nicknamed “the last emperor” and “the Sheik of chic,” Garavani was renowned for his signature red and elegant designs that prioritized beauty and sophistication over trends.
  • Celebrated for dressing royalty, celebrities, and socialites, he cultivated a glamorous personal image and lifestyle that embodied the spirit of "La Dolce Vita."
  • Garavani emphasized making his clients look sensational, focusing on disciplined elegance rather than avant-garde fashion innovation