Rome bid a final farewell to the legendary fashion designer Valentino Garavani, as a star-studded crowd gathered to pay their respects at his funeral service in the Italian capital. The iconic couturier, who passed away on Monday at the age of 93, was celebrated for dressing generations of royalty, first ladies, and Hollywood celebrities.
The funeral, held at the central Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, followed a two-day public viewing at the Valentino Foundation’s headquarters, marking the final tribute to the internationally acclaimed designer. Among the mourners were prominent figures from the fashion world, including Tom Ford, Donatella Versace, and Vogue’s Anna Wintour, as well as Hollywood stars such as Anne Hathaway.
Valentino’s beloved pugs were also present at the public viewing, a poignant moment for those who had witnessed the designer’s unwavering love for his canine companions. Tributes poured in from leading figures across industries, including his long-time partner Giammetti, models Elizabeth Hurley and Linda Evangelista, and reality TV star Kim Kardashian.
“Valentino was eternally kind and generous to me and my son Damian, whom Valentino called ‘The Little Prince,'” said Hurley, reflecting on their 30-year friendship. “I will cherish our time together for the rest of my life.”
Gwyneth Paltrow, who wore a Valentino gown for her wedding to Brad Falchuk in 2018 and a bright pink long-sleeved dress at the 2013 Met Gala, described the news as the “end of an era.” In an Instagram post, she wrote, “I was so lucky to know and love Valentino – to know the real man, in private. The man who was in love with beauty, his family, his muses, his friends. His dogs, his gardens, and a good Hollywood story.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was among the first to pay tribute to the couturier, describing him as the “undisputed master of style and elegance” and the “eternal symbol of Italian high fashion.” She added, “Today Italy loses a legend, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations. Thank you for everything.”
Valentino’s opulent gowns have graced numerous Academy Awards ceremonies, including Julia Roberts’ vintage black and white column dress when she accepted her Best Actress Oscar in 2001, and Cate Blanchett’s butter-yellow silk, one-shouldered creation for her Best Supporting Actress win in 2005. His legacy as a fashion titan and a beloved figure in the industry will undoubtedly continue to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts for years to come.
