The fashion world gathered in Rome on Friday to bid farewell to legendary Italian designer Valentino Garavani, who passed away peacefully at his residence on January 19 at the age of 93. The funeral, held at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs, drew stars, models, and industry icons who came to pay their respects.
Hollywood and Fashion Royalty in Attendance
Anne Hathaway attended with her husband Adam Shulman. Hathaway first met Valentino in 2005 while filming The Devil Wears Prada, where the designer appeared in a cameo alongside his lifelong business partner Giancarlo Giammetti. Over the years, Hathaway became one of Valentino’s muses, frequently wearing his gowns on red carpets. Liz Hurley arrived with her son Damien Hurley, while supermodels Claudia Schiffer and Natalia Vodianova also joined the mourners. Former Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, often cited as the inspiration for Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly character in The Devil Wears Prada, was among the high-profile attendees.
Fashion Leaders Pay Tribute
The ceremony also drew leading figures from the fashion industry. Former Valentino creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli, U.S. designer Tom Ford, and François Henri Pinault, CEO of luxury conglomerate Kering, were present. Kering currently owns a 30% stake in Valentino, with an option to acquire full ownership in 2027.
Valentino’s Enduring Legacy
Born in Voghera, Italy, in 1932, Valentino rose to global fame with his signature glamorous style. Known for his mastery of luxurious fabrics and timeless silhouettes, he dressed some of the most iconic women of the 20th and 21st centuries. His clientele included Jackie Onassis, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman, Sharon Stone, Barbra Streisand, and Monica Vitti. Valentino’s designs became synonymous with elegance and sophistication, cementing his place as one of the most influential fashion designers in history. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of designers and fashion lovers worldwide.
A Final Farewell
The Rome funeral was both a celebration of Valentino’s extraordinary career and a poignant farewell to a man who shaped modern fashion. With tributes pouring in from across the globe, the designer’s influence remains undeniable. As Hathaway, Hurley, Wintour, and countless others gathered to honor him, Valentino’s impact on style and culture was once again reaffirmed.
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