Valentino Valentino Garavani, designer and founder of Valentino brand, has died

Italian designer Valentino Garavani, who founded the luxury brand Valentino, has died. This was announced by the Foundation Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giametti, his message is posted on the designer's page in Instagram. Garavani was 93 years old.

"Valentino Garavani died today at his Rome residence surrounded by his family and friends," the foundation said in a statement. The funeral will be held on Friday, January 23, in Rome.

Garavani founded a fashion brand in 1959, which he named after himself - Valentino. He was "the last of the great couturiers of the 20th century and the designer who defined the image of royalty in the Republican era for different kinds of princesses - crowned, dethroned, Hollywood and socialite," according to The New York Times. Valentino became more than just a designer for the high society, he became their equal, with his own palaces, traveling court and his signature shade of red, the newspaper noted.

The Valentino brand is now 30% owned by French holding company Kering, which also owns the Gucci brand. Kering acquired the stake in 2023. The remaining 70% is owned by Mayhoola, but Kering has an option to buy back these securities as well, exercisable in 2029.

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